sleep aids at start of treatment

[Budleigh]

Hey all,

Since I'm sort of re-starting the treatment this week after a long time of non-compliance, I was wondering what the effects of some OTC sleep aids would be on the efficacy of the treatment.

My first concern is that I know some sleep aids cause respiratory slowing, relaxation that can increase OSA events. I'm more worried about the slowing, because I've developed some central apneas because my body isn't used to breathing with the pressure just yet. Would using something like, say, Motrin PM (ibuprofen and diphenhydramine) have an adverse effect on my body's adapting to the situation? Another concern I'm responding to is the fact that last night I woke up at around 5am with my mask somehow not on my face. Not sure if I did that in sleep or close enough thereto not to remember it. Sleeping a bit deeper, initially, might help compliance in the long run.

I guess my goal is to make absolutely sure that taking something like Motrin PM (but not limited to that if there are other options that wouldn't hurt) will not adversely effect the first stage of treatment, most significantly my body's adapting to the pressure at night (which it is slowly doing, central index down from 5 to 3 in 3 nights) because of the respiratory relaxing effect.

Thanks!
-budlz

[Julie]

Can't remember other threads you posted, but how badly do you really need to take anything at all? If you stay away from caffeine and exercise in the evening, plus deal with (if it applies) claustrophobia or other such issues and have your mask fitted comfortably, why do you think you need pills?

[breakfast]

Can't remember other threads you posted, but how badly do you really need to take anything at all? If you stay away from caffeine and exercise in the evening, plus deal with (if it applies) claustrophobia or other such issues and have your mask fitted comfortably, why do you think you need pills?

I can't speak for budlz, but no matter how tired I am when I go to bed, I can't fall asleep with the mask even with a long ramp. It's too overstimulating. I'm also prone to insomnia and night-waking. The drugs help me to fall asleep and stay asleep.

[chunkyfrog]

Used to take alprazolam (Xanax) before CPAP, when I was too 'keyed up' to sleep.
No drugs since, except maybe half a beer with my honey.
Beginning treatment, I'd lay there listening to the machine and my breathing--sort of in a 'zen' thing.
Maybe it was sort of like self-hypnosis, but it worked.
Now I just 'gear up' and zonk out.
Trust me, It can be easier than you think--just trust it.
Hope this helps.

[brazospearl]

Would something like Motrin PM have an effect? Sure! Would that effect be worth it to get the greater effect of sleeping all night masked up? Can't answer that for you. Only you can weigh those options for yourself.

[thewetlizard]

I use meletonin to help me sleep

[happysleeper]

Hi Budleigh,

I also had difficulty allowing myself to relax well enough with the mask/pressure to keep it on, at first. My sleep doctor actually prescribed a sleeper for me, with the proviso that I only use it for the few initial months of using CPAP. Better to be compliant with the CPAP and then wean off the sleeper than not use the CPAP at all, according to him. However, I understand that benadryl, as having a sedative effect, is similar to many sleepers in that it can cause an increase in centrals.

I did notice an improvement in my AHI once I was able to then wean myself off the sleeper.

Another approach is to desensitize yourself from the sensation of wearing the mask, etc, by using scents. Pur-Sleep (I have no interest) is a source for this--
http://www.pur-sleep.com/content/?id=6

Good luck,

Happy Sleeper

[DoriC]

The Dr did prescribe Ambien 5mg for my husband for a few months to help settle him down during the adjustment period. He only needed it for a few weeks.

[Budleigh]

OK, well I'm not quite willing to risk more centrals for the sake of ease. Do things like melatonin and valerian cause centrals too?

[M.D.Hosehead]

I remember reading in Dr. Krakow's book (can't remember the title, but he's a sleep doc) that many patients benefit from a mild sedative when trying to get started on xpap. He preferred Ambien and Prosom, but both require prescriptions. The OTC sedative diphenhydramine (=Benedryl) has a side-effect of mouth and nose dryness, but if it makes the difference between success and failure, it's probably worth it.

My experience here is like others'. After a while, I the xpap equipment started to feel normal, my sleep schedule became regular, and I don't need sedatives.