Been on cpap for 3 weeks

irishdame · Post by **irishdame** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 6:53 am

I have been on cpap for 3 weeks now. Yes I know...Be patient. And I am, but heres the problem. I have always had trouble getting sleepy and staying asleep after finally falling asleep. I was so hoping and was told the cpap would fix all thats ailling me. Well after 3 weeks I see NO differents at all.
My doctor gave me sleeping meds to help me fall asleep so I could use the cpap. It does seem to help me fall asleep, most of the time, but I still wake up 2-3 times a night. Sometimes being able to fall back asleep or maybe not. I have taken Ambein and Lunesta. No matter what I take I still wake up just like I did before cpap. Do I still stop breathing 53 times in a hour like I was before cpap? It just seems like knowing is different. I have a doctors app. next Monday...23rd. Maybe he can do something to fix it. I saw a special about sleep on "60 min". yesterday and sleep is so very important. I just want to have a GOOD nights sleep!!!!!!! Has anyone else had this problem, and did it finnally fix itsself with cpap? I am so dissappointed. I have gotten use to the mask, so thats not the problem. I think my body is just so use to NOT sleeping...Thanks for reading...Emily[/b]

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 7:12 am

How much, if any, caffeine do you consume?

irishdame · Post by **irishdame** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 7:15 am

I drink 2 cups of coffee at 5:30 am. Nothing more and I don't drink that but just on weekends. Decalf during week... Don't ake nap during day, I have tried many things.Thanks...Emily

markinOz · Post by **markinOz** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 7:16 am

I think all people have varying sleep cycles during the night. Other things affecting sleep include diet, stress, the bed, work, family .....

Sleep is not an exact science. You have overcome the major obstacle of getting used to the mask. Most people find this the hardest part. CPAP treatment does work for those who stick at it. Keep going. It took me 6 to 12 months to get used to the machine. It has however changed my life. I no longer fall asleep at the wheel, or mid afternoon. My wife is happier, which means I am happier.

You may want to explore other reasons for waking up during the night. Successful CPAP treatment will mean the sleep you do get is what your body needs.

The other thing ou should do is see if you can get results for the night from your machine. They may reveal how your treatment is going.

Good luck and keep going; it's worth it.

irishdame · Post by **irishdame** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 7:18 am

Thank you so very much...I Need to hear that. I will be patient if I believe theres hope. I know so many people that just gave up on it....I will NOT! lolol Again thanks....Emily

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 7:35 am

I asked about the caffeine, I know that seems obvious, but so many of us, have HAD to use caffeine to stay awake with all these years of lack of sleep.

I know after I came off caffeine, the SLIGHTEST bit, had me awake all night.

When you wake up during the night, do you feel it's due to some discomfort?
Or just no idea why you're waking?

I don't often need help falling asleep, but when I want to relax, all I have to do is pick up a book to read, and before I can finish the first page my head is nodding. It sounds like you have been dealing with this for a long time, so you probably have tried everything...(getting some fresh air daily, exercise. meditation?). you must be frustrated.

Please don't give up. And do have that talk with your Dr.
I'm hoping your sleep cycle gets on track soon, so you can feel better.

This forum is a great place to come for support! No matter what your problem, there is usually someone else out there who has dealt with the same issues.

Best of luck to you! Hang in there!

NeedinZs · Post by **NeedinZs** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 7:36 am

That last post was me. Forgot I wasn't logged on!

NeedinZ's

irishdame · Post by **irishdame** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 7:39 am

yes I have tried many things. Excercise, ect. I am one thta if I have any stress before bed, it's all over. I sleep partly in a recliner and bed. I have a bad back. I had to stop sleeping with hubby because of keeping him awake. I just hope and PRAY cpap fixes this. Thank you so much for advice. Maybe my doctor will have some answers. I love this forum!

bap40 · Post by **bap40** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 8:10 am

Another thing that can be of benefit is a bedtime routine.. just like we do for our kids.

A calming routine to get your mind into a mindset that once this routine is established, your brain will get the idea that it is time for sleep.

feeling_better · Post by **feeling_better** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 12:48 pm

irishdame,

I started using cpap only a few days before you did. So my experiences may have some relevance for you.

1. It takes time to get used to the machine. My sleep was worse during the first few days with the machine, but steadily getting better.

2. If you are on AUTO mode, that the pressure varies from time to time to find the optimal setting for your specific needs (you can ask your doctor how the machine is set for you), then there is a possibility this causes more problem for you!! That was my case. It seems that when pressure changes, I was waking up. In the last 6 nights, it has been set to a fixed pressure, and there is a world of difference!! And suprisingly my AHI number also is about half of it was when the treatment was on auto. So it may be worth trying. I think your machine (this is not the exact model I have --- looking at the picture) may give you the AHI number.

3. Find a mask that is comfortable for you. I am trying my second mask, and there is a lot of individual preference variations --- it does not matter what most other people may be preferring to use, you need to find the ones you like best.

4. Depending upon your age, waking up a couple of times at night may be normal.

5. It is very well established that some sleep inducing medications does increases apneas, and for those who have apneas sleep medications may be the wrong thing! Again this depends on the type of medication. Not all doctors may be well aware of all these factors, so you need to do some online reading and research of your own.

Wish you sleep better and get healthier!

irishdame · Post by **irishdame** » Tue Jun 17, 2008 9:09 am

Thanks so much feeling-better, that makes a lot of since. I'm 53 by the way. The pressure thing sound like that could be it! I will look into it today....Again thank you. Oh by the way, I got out and walked today for the first time in quite awhile!!!!!! Maybe it is starting to help!!!!! My first app. with my sleep doctor is next Monday. Maybe I will get some help then.....Emily

sleepydoll · Post by **sleepydoll** » Tue Jun 17, 2008 2:42 pm

This is in fact a sad thing...sorry to hear that you wake up so often. I have a friend that had the same problem....but it was due to the fact that she had a very slow digestive tract....digestion would start up again during the night around 3 am ! This kept her awake for a long time.
So now she never eats anything past 6 pm, and makes sure that her food isn't too heavy.
This seems to help her quite a bit...hope this will help you too!

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Tue Jun 17, 2008 3:05 pm

IF. You truly have the machine listed in your profile, you are lucky. Nowdays, most prople get the "M"eries model. You need the software and reader to take control of your treatment. It sometimes take time to get use to XPAP, but when you do it will prove to be worth it. Jim

Been on cpap for 3 weeks

Been on cpap for 3 weeks

feelin-better