Hours of sleep to aim for on CPAP?

[sleepylilbean]

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[kteague]

You are using the machine for your entire sleep time, right? It's not unusual to feel the need for excessive sleep while your body is recovering from the assault of untreated sleep apnea. What you want to be sure of is that your treatment is effective, and that you aren't waiting on a recovery that can't happen due to sub par treatment. After confirming through your machine data it is working as it should, take a look at other factors in your life that can cause your symptoms. Are you on any meds that list sleepiness as a possible side effect? Have you had a medical workup for things like diabetes, hypothyroid, anemia, Vitamin D deficiency, etc.? Was there any mention of limb movements in your sleep study report? If your treatment is therapeutic and other possible contributors are ruled out, if the need for 13 hours sleep persists you may want to talk to your doctor about ruling out narcolepsy. BTW, how was your sleep before CPAP treatment?

[sleepylilbean]

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[kteague]

It's just been a few weeks, so I wouldn't worry too much yet. but I would think you'd see a decline in the need for sleep soon. Can't really put this kind of stuff on a calendar. Talk to your doctor about when to force the issue. There is a point where too much sleep is detrimental, and you may have to actively work toward a sleep time that best supports your daytime well being. I couldn't even presume to know how long to let this go on. Let us know how it goes.

[Julie]

But what are the pressure settings? They may just be too low to do the job and need raising. Too often patients are given machines set to the default low of 4 (or maybe 5) but that rarely begins to be able to help unless that was the actual number arrived at on titration. I see no reason to question narcolepsy or leg movements based on what you've said.

[robysue]

But what are the pressure settings? They may just be too low to do the job and need raising.

The OP states the s/he's using the machine all the time s/he's sleeping and the AHI = 0.7. Sounds like the pressure is high enough to do its job to me.

[robysue]

kteague, thank you for your reply! Yes, I am using the machine for the entire sleep time. I went into the clinical settings in my machine and it said my AHI is 0.7, mask seal is good, 13L/min leak.

The AHI is really great.

The question is whether that leak rate is good, bad, or indifferent. Can you tell us the following information so we can tell you more about how to interpret that leak rate?

What machine are you using?

What mask are you using?

What pressure setting(s) are you you using?

And is that leak rate number coming from the machine's LCD?

Finally: It does take some people time before they start feeling better. Most sleep docs are going to say give it 4-6 weeks before they're going to start looking for another cause for continuing explanations for severe excessive daytime sleepiness.

I did have borderline low iron and vitamin D deficiency which have been treated. There is no restless leg syndrome or anything involved. No meds with sleepiness as a side effect either.