Sleep meds and PAP

Country4ever · Post by **Country4ever** » Wed Nov 14, 2007 11:33 am

Hi all,
I have fibromyalgia and have more sleep probs than "just" apnea/hypopnea. I have alpha wave intrusion. I have chosen to not use the med for that, since its not that great.
I go through cycles. Some weeks I might sleep great. Other weeks are torture. during those bad weeks, I allow myself to take 1/2mg xanax before bedtime (only once a week). I swear, I don't move a muscle the whole night. Its usually the best night of sleep I've ever had ( think). I actually sleep 8-9 hours.
But I've noticed that when I take it, my pressure is good (around 7.4 out of , my leak rate is exceptionally low, but my AHI is up a bit........around 5. I'm curious of those of you who occasionally take some sort of sleep med.......even otc stuff, if you've noticed certain changes in your stats the next morning?

sharon309 · Post by **sharon309** » Wed Nov 14, 2007 2:51 pm

Well I am just getting started with this cpap stuff but I have had fibro for 15 years and can't believe half a xanax makes u sleep so good .
I sure wish it did me I can tale 1 and a half and still not sleep all night.
There are alot of good people on here and I am sure someone will help you.I am in a big flare up right now and sitting at the computer is killing me.

Wishing you the best

LavenderMist · Post by **LavenderMist** » Wed Nov 14, 2007 3:25 pm

Xanax is in the benzodiazepine family. The info below was taken from http://www.sleephealthdoc.com/rwjuh092602.html

"Studies have shown that the frequency of apnea and hypopnea is greater with a supine sleeping position and after use of a benzodiazepine or alcohol."

Any drug that reduces your respiratory drive will make the apnea worse. I think this also includes narcotics and muscle relaxants in addition to benzos. So, yes, these drugs would make your AHI higher.

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): AHI, Hypopnea

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): AHI, Hypopnea

Country4ever · Post by **Country4ever** » Wed Nov 14, 2007 4:04 pm

Sharon,
I'm sorry about your fibro. I've had the worst flare ever this year too.
I'm extremely sensitive to meds, which most of the time causes lots of problems. But in this case, with the 1/2mg xanax, I'm happy I'm so sensitive! I'm trying not to use it much, so I don't get so used to it that it doesn't work.
I've found that gentle exercises and stretching has been helping with my pain alot. I can't believe how stiff we can get. Good luck to you. Its an awful affliction. Besides sugar and carbs making my muscles hurt, I've discovered salt does too.
Lavender............I think the length of time I sleep uninterrupted somehow makes up for the higher AHI. I always feel great after I've used xanax to sleep. And in the morning I'm fine. Whereas if I take a muscle relaxer, I'm dragging all day. I guess its a balancing act.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Nov 14, 2007 7:53 pm

I havent took any sleep aids in awhile but I always noticed my leak rates went down.... I attributed it to me not moving so much since my body was so out, and in turn I know that when leaks occur the pressure is going to increase usually to compensate for the leaks. My data shows that when my leaks spike so does my pressure. Not sure if thats the case just my deduction from my experience.

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