New to cpap - edgy, irritable, weepy...is that normal?

[Catherine]

I've only used my new machine 3 nights. I've slept well and comfortably. I awaken with energy and my head feels clear instead of foggy and sleepy. The last 2 days though, by afternoon and evening, I am tense, easily upset, edgy and very angry without any conscious cause. I'm assuming it is connected with beginning use of the cpap, because feeling like this for hours on end isn't common for me. Have others experienced these kinds of reactions? It's disconcerting, for sure.

[Todzo]

I've only used my new machine 3 nights. I've slept well and comfortably. I awaken with energy and my head feels clear instead of foggy and sleepy. The last 2 days though, by afternoon and evening, I am tense, easily upset, edgy and very angry without any conscious cause. I'm assuming it is connected with beginning use of the cpap, because feeling like this for hours on end isn't common for me. Have others experienced these kinds of reactions? It's disconcerting, for sure.

I think what happens is that we get all excited about what we can do. The problem is that our brain and body are just beginning to heal, so we run out of gas kind of like a sugar low.

I think the trick here is to pace. Plan a nap when you get home. Take breaks during the day. Work a bit less hard. Let the system heal.

Your body and mind have been under a terrible strain. Let them heal.

And have a lot of fun (but not too much at a time).

Todzo

[caffeinatedcfo]

The exact opposite. CPAP has calmed me down.

[NightSky]

I think that starting CPAP really changes one's circadean rhythm all around, and this affects hormones and probably neurotransmitters as well. So while I can't really explain how you feel exactly, I don't find it surprising. I think also some folk's circadean rhythm may be more resistant to change than others. I have felt crappy but think I am starting to get better after a month. Anyhow, go ahead and check with your doctor.

[Catherine]

Thanks so much for your responses. I did massage for many years and learned that as we heal, especially in the beginning,
old emotions surface. After a few days everything balances out and we can enjoy feeling better. I guess I just didn't expect that with the cpap. I'll take things slowly and maybe I'll take some bubble baths to offset the grumpy, nervous feelings.

[jnk]

I've only used my new machine 3 nights. I've slept well and comfortably. I awaken with energy and my head feels clear instead of foggy and sleepy. The last 2 days though, by afternoon and evening, I am tense, easily upset, edgy and very angry without any conscious cause. I'm assuming it is connected with beginning use of the cpap, because feeling like this for hours on end isn't common for me. Have others experienced these kinds of reactions? It's disconcerting, for sure.

For some of us, before we used PAP therapy, the sleepiness/fogginess/tiredness dulled us to much of the edginess/anxiety/anger in our lives. Wiping away the fogginess allows us to feel again, and not all we feel is positive, especially at first.

But PAP therapy is still the right choice. It is best to drive with a clean windshield instead of finding false comfort in not seeing life clearly ahead of us.

Eventually, once the body figures out it doesn't need to pump out panic juice all day and night to keep us breathing and alert, things can balance out.

Hold on for the ride. It is worth it to get to the destination. Just make sure you are strapped in so you don't have to grasp the sides of the roller-coaster car so tightly.

If it gets too rough to deal with, your doc can help you with some temporary solutions until the hormones even out.

But PAP is the answer to, not the cause of, much of our nervousness, grumpiness, tension, edginess, and anger, despite the temporary increase in them on the road to healing physically, mentally, and emotionally.

That was my experience, anyway. Before PAP I was easily angered and discouraged, even if I didn't show that outwardly. It takes a lot to throw me for a loop these days. I credit PAP therapy for that.

-jeff

[BlackSpinner]

Jeff is correct. Tiredness and grumpiness can hide lots of things.

There is also the fact that you made a major life change. There is grief involved in that. You may not have a handle on it consciously but as you become more awake there is emotional issues that may have been shelved due to the tiredness that are now demanding their day in the light.

Try doing some journalling and see what comes up. This is best done first thing in the morning before all our mental defences wake up totally.

[chunkyfrog]

As mentioned before, some of us have the opposite experience; emotional basket case before, yielding to calmness after.
It may have something to do with the unique way each of us deals with stress.
Either way is completely normal; and will get better with time. Welcome.

[zorki1c]

Since starting CPAP last week I find I don't get as upset about the morons (of both parties) running the government. . . . Well, at least not quite as upset.

[Catherine]

Thank you for the more recent input. I think the edgy first response has passed. Having read a number of posts on what to expect as one new to pap I am observing that each day is different. Today I've been excessively tired for several hours. Yesterday was a smooth high energy day. I'm okay with it all, taking it as it comes. I can feel that I am doing a very good thing for myself. It's great to have the support here.