Namlehse wrote:... So one thing I've noticed a lot of since I've been able to pull my sleep data, is that I see a LOT of CSA's. ...
First, welcome to the forum. It's good to see that you are taking an interest in your therapy. Tracking the data can be very helpful. However, a note about the data is that while it might feel alarming, you might just be seeing a "normal" pattern for your sleep. We'll tackle the use of "a LOT" in a few moments. What I do want to reassure you is that it is important to monitor your own therapy. No one else is as interested in your health as you are (or at least should be).
Namlehse wrote:... It's random when they happen, however in the words of my girlfriend "I just get stuck in a pattern". ...
First of all, that you know the pattern is random is helpful. Second, having someone else be able to note when it becomes a pattern like that is also helpful. It shows that there is likely something systemic happening. Not bad. Not something to worry about. Just that a pattern gets set up and continues until something changes.
Now, I've got some questions you might want to ask your girlfriend:
- Does the pattern seem to occur as you fall asleep?
- Does the pattern seem to occur just before you awaken?
- Does the pattern seem to occur just before you toss and turn?
- Does the pattern seem to occur just after you toss and turn?
- Does poking you / jarring you seem to help break the cycle?
- Does anything during the previous day seem to signal a bad night?
The answers might help sort out what's happens before/after this pattern.
Namlehse wrote:... Some nights I have zero issues, some nights I have horrible issues. ...
Unfortunately, when your symptoms are variable, it can make it difficult for your doctor to find the right information to help you treat your sleep problems. So, please be aware that it might take a while before your doctor can gather the data he needs to decide on the right path forward.
Namlehse wrote:... I'm starting to think it's why I'm not sleeping so well. ...
Well, if you do have "a LOT" of CA events, then it might be why you are not sleeping well. Remember a couple things. First of all, the CA events should stand for "Clear Airway" events. They may not be central sleep apneas. Why do I say that? Well, if you just rouse awake enough to flip onto your side you might be having apneas that occur when you transition to and from sleep. Those clear airway events are not considered central apneas because they are both common and expected. But if they occur throughout the night, they may in fact be central apneas. You need the full sleep study to determine if they are in fact something that should be treated. With one caveat to that ... If the clear airway events last so long that it disturbs the transition to and from sleep they need to be addressed.
Also remember that the machine only records how you are breathing. It does not record other things that might be disturbing your sleep. For instance, do you have a lot of arousals. (When you rouse just from a deeper level of sleep to a lighter level of sleep). Are they due to respiratory problems (hypopneas or apneas)? Or are they "spontaneous"?
That's just one example. There are LOTS of things that can interfere with good sleep.
Namlehse wrote:... My AHI sits around 5 each night, the best night so far being 3.5, worst being around 7. ...
Here's where we get to the phrase "a LOT". You see, an AHI of 5 or less is considered "normal". I do not doubt that you are not sleeping well. I just wonder if the apneas are the cause of the poor sleep.
Namlehse wrote:... What can I do to prevent these? ... Should I be pushing for BiPAP/VPAP? ...
It might be that something else needs to be addressed. And unfortunately with the variability of your sleep, it might take a while before it can be fully diagnosed and resolved. One thing you might want to see is if your blood oxygen level drops during the night. You might want to ask your doctor if he can order several nights of overnight monitoring of your blood oxygen levels. That is one way that will let you see if these apneas are at the heart of your poor sleep.
Namlehse wrote:... I'm still pretty new to this, My OSA is fairly well handled at two to four events a night. I'm also seeing a few Hypoapenas, but I'm assuming that's just adjusting to xPAP in general? ...
Some hypopneas are "normal". The important thing is that you are monitoring your therapy. It's what you need to do to see that it improves your sleep and your ability to function during the day. There is a lot to learn. But you've started down that path.
Best wishes!
