Folks:
What types of symptoms lead some of you to ask your doctor for provigil?
No matter what my sleep study says! I don't feel 100% refreshed from sleep. If I didn't have to go to work I could easily sleep in for 10-12 hrs. I am currently doing 9-10 hrs of sleep with by Bipap and when I wake up, after a good shower and a cup of green tea I can go to work fine. I don't fall asleep driving, I am adequately alert for my morning commute.
The problem happens when I get to work...I have difficulty staying focoused, I have fallen asleep at meetings, and my overall work output leaves something to be desired. I manage two separate technical groups in two locations, have to process 100 E-Mails a day, as well as attend meetings, crunch data, and write technical reports. I have to work 12 hrs to get 8 hrs work done! Also getting up early is impossible! Even on the weekend, to do things I enjoy like fishing or cycling. As a result I get far less exercise than I should. I have tried watching my diet meticulously, cutting out wheat, dairy, white flour, sugar, yet I still don't feel any better.I have done cleanses and detox to rid my body of possible food sensitivities.
Seems that even though I am currently treated for my sleep events...I only got rid of 80-85% of the symptoms. It seems that my quality of life should be better! Every year since my diagnosis, I have gained weight and exercised less...I just doesn't seem that BIPAP treatment alone is enough.
I got on the Provigil site. My Epworth sleep scale measurment was 8 so I am not dangerously sleepy. However, I answered yes to 4 out of five questions when asked how my condition effects my social interaction. Right now my life is getting up, working excessively, and going to sleep. It's got to be better than this! I have two small children who of lately I only get to interact with on the weekend because I get home after they go to bed!
Does this sound like the before picture of any of you provigil users out there???
Could I be a candidate for Provigil?
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Sleepless on LI
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- Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 6:46 pm
- Location: Long Island, New York
Joe A.
Did your sleep study make mention of any PLMD or RLS? If so, that could be what is causing you to make a semi-improvement but not to the point of completely fixing your sleepiness.
My sleep study showed 4.something hypops, no apnea but 14.something PLMDs per hour (period limb movement disorder). They described it as being responsible for signficantly fragmenting my sleep architecture. When I questioned my physician as to what they would do about that, since they were adressing what seemed to be the least of my sleep disturbances of 4.something hypops per hour with CPAP, her reply was to wait a month because CPAP therapy can also cure PLMD. If at the end of compliance for one month I didn't feel energetic, she would then address putting me on a prescription to help with the PLMD.
PLMD or RLS does interrupt your sleep cycle, just as OSA does. If you have it and it hasn't been corrected, even if you're fixing your OSA with CPAP, it could still be the reason for your tired state. If you don't have a copy of your sleep study, ask for it and see if it mentions that on it. It's a thought that I had that could be the reason for your not totally improving. As for me, I was lucky and although to this day I still wake up a few times a night, but only for a second or so, I feel fully energetic. So I don't think there is a need to worry about taking anything for the PLMD. But you, on the other hand, might need to if you had it originally on your sleep study and are still feeling like you need more rest.
Did your sleep study make mention of any PLMD or RLS? If so, that could be what is causing you to make a semi-improvement but not to the point of completely fixing your sleepiness.
My sleep study showed 4.something hypops, no apnea but 14.something PLMDs per hour (period limb movement disorder). They described it as being responsible for signficantly fragmenting my sleep architecture. When I questioned my physician as to what they would do about that, since they were adressing what seemed to be the least of my sleep disturbances of 4.something hypops per hour with CPAP, her reply was to wait a month because CPAP therapy can also cure PLMD. If at the end of compliance for one month I didn't feel energetic, she would then address putting me on a prescription to help with the PLMD.
PLMD or RLS does interrupt your sleep cycle, just as OSA does. If you have it and it hasn't been corrected, even if you're fixing your OSA with CPAP, it could still be the reason for your tired state. If you don't have a copy of your sleep study, ask for it and see if it mentions that on it. It's a thought that I had that could be the reason for your not totally improving. As for me, I was lucky and although to this day I still wake up a few times a night, but only for a second or so, I feel fully energetic. So I don't think there is a need to worry about taking anything for the PLMD. But you, on the other hand, might need to if you had it originally on your sleep study and are still feeling like you need more rest.
L o R i
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Sleepless on LI
- Posts: 3997
- Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 6:46 pm
- Location: Long Island, New York
Have you considered maybe going in an auto? And have you ever monitored your events nightly with software? At least then you could see what is going on nightly while you're sleeping. Although the only way to tell if you are getting your stage 3 and 4 sleep is through another PSG, if I'm not mistaken. I wish I could sleep like a mummy. There have been two times, I believe, since I started therapy in the first week of June that I have slept through an entire night. But we seem to be on the exact opposite of the spectrum. You sleep all night but wake up tired, while I rarely sleep all night but wake up refreshed.
When was your last study? Maybe it's time to have a new one done and see what is going on. Maybe an auto machine or readjusting the pressure you're on needs to be addressed.
When was your last study? Maybe it's time to have a new one done and see what is going on. Maybe an auto machine or readjusting the pressure you're on needs to be addressed.
L o R i
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rxforsleep
- Posts: 9
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- Location: colorado
Thyroid enzyme panels have come in fine (T3, T4 and TSH) and was the first thing I looked at. Wilsons Thyroid Syndrome has the same sypmtoms...weight gain, fatigue and brain fog until the evening. Monitored my body temperature throughout the day...and it was within range.
I am on No Meds whatsoever. Last study was 8 months ago, Lost 20 lbs since then. Still feel not quite right!
Is there a test for ADD???? I thought that all they did was a DSM-4 which is nothing more than a questionaire. I never had issues with ADD/ADHD as a child. I was a dynamo until I started to get classic symtoms of OSA(Waking up several times a night, bizzaro nightmares, snoring, sore throat, beat up sinuses, EDS, falling asleep during inappropriate times ect.
I used to be the guy who hit the beach after work and fished for Striped Bass till the wee hours and shaped up for work the next day. Granted I couldn't do it every night....but I did fine!
Once I hit about 35-36 is when it all started happening, got diagnosed and treated when I was 40. I have spoken to the head pulmonologist at the sleep clinic in the past (Before they had provigil) and he said..."Hey you have OSA...you can't expect to sleep like someone who doesn't!"
Thats not good enough for me!! I would just go out there and loose the 60 lbs I need to loose...but I don't have the work/life balance to get there!
I am on No Meds whatsoever. Last study was 8 months ago, Lost 20 lbs since then. Still feel not quite right!
Is there a test for ADD???? I thought that all they did was a DSM-4 which is nothing more than a questionaire. I never had issues with ADD/ADHD as a child. I was a dynamo until I started to get classic symtoms of OSA(Waking up several times a night, bizzaro nightmares, snoring, sore throat, beat up sinuses, EDS, falling asleep during inappropriate times ect.
I used to be the guy who hit the beach after work and fished for Striped Bass till the wee hours and shaped up for work the next day. Granted I couldn't do it every night....but I did fine!
Once I hit about 35-36 is when it all started happening, got diagnosed and treated when I was 40. I have spoken to the head pulmonologist at the sleep clinic in the past (Before they had provigil) and he said..."Hey you have OSA...you can't expect to sleep like someone who doesn't!"
Thats not good enough for me!! I would just go out there and loose the 60 lbs I need to loose...but I don't have the work/life balance to get there!
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rested gal
- Posts: 12881
- Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2004 10:14 pm
- Location: Tennessee
Joe, my first thought was what the others mentioned and you've already looked into - other underlying health issues.
You live in an area where Lyme disease is fairly common, don't you? I suppose you've checked that? Can be hard to diagnose with just the simpler screening tests, but I don't recall what the most thorough test for that is called.
Also I think the "normal" level for thyroid has been raised...wonder if the doctor who checked you for that was going by the old "norm" or the present higher one now?
Anywayyyy, sounds like you've been looking at as many "other reasons" as you can, for your continued sleepiness. Do you think your doctor would let you have a trial on autopap for a few weeks, just to gather more data? What IPAP/EPAP are you using on your bi-level now?
You said you're on no meds whatsoever. They aren't "meds", but you're taking a good vitamin/mineral supplement regularly, I hope? No matter how balanced your diet is, I think that's a good idea..."just in case". Might be something as simple as some minor deficiency that's keeping you a bit on the fatigued side. Also a good idea to drink water - lots and lotsa water - keep those cells well hydrated.
You live in an area where Lyme disease is fairly common, don't you? I suppose you've checked that? Can be hard to diagnose with just the simpler screening tests, but I don't recall what the most thorough test for that is called.
Also I think the "normal" level for thyroid has been raised...wonder if the doctor who checked you for that was going by the old "norm" or the present higher one now?
Anywayyyy, sounds like you've been looking at as many "other reasons" as you can, for your continued sleepiness. Do you think your doctor would let you have a trial on autopap for a few weeks, just to gather more data? What IPAP/EPAP are you using on your bi-level now?
You said you're on no meds whatsoever. They aren't "meds", but you're taking a good vitamin/mineral supplement regularly, I hope? No matter how balanced your diet is, I think that's a good idea..."just in case". Might be something as simple as some minor deficiency that's keeping you a bit on the fatigued side. Also a good idea to drink water - lots and lotsa water - keep those cells well hydrated.
Reted Gal:
Thanks for the reply. I am on a full regimen of Vit/Mineral suplements including Kelp, Gum Guggul, Co-Q10 and Russian Rhodiola.
My settings are 16/12 cm H20 with an IPAP/EPAP sensitivity setting of 7. I use an ultra mirage FFM and a Puritan Bennet GK 425.
In my 5 years of therapy, I always felt as if my therapy was not 100%.
Another theory mentioned was that of Adrenal Fatique from Stess and overwork.
I have already ruled out Lymes. My biggest problem is with mental focous and with fatigue. I can sleep like a mummy with that mask on! If I want to I could sleep 12 hrs a day....doesn't make a difference!
I feel the best between 5PM and 10 PM....the rest of the day I am useless.
I know if I see my sleep doc he WILL put me on Provigil....he loves the stuff! Don't want to go there unless I have to....I don't like drugs!
I allways wonder...If I do go on Provigil and it helps me stay focoused, and energetic....perhaps I'll be able to start working out again.
My biggest regret is not looking into OSA until age 40. I am certain I had it in my mid thirties, yet I was in shape then! 185 pounds...benched 225, squat 275 for reps, Could do 17 chin ups, 45 Dips, wore a 34 pants. 48 jacket and needed Athletic Cut Clothes. Couldn't stay awake unless I drank 2 POTS of coffee a day and used Ephedra pre-workout. I chalked it up to "Overtraining".
Now at 240 I an out of shape...but don't fall asleep during the day, but still don't feel refreshed.
Thanks for the reply. I am on a full regimen of Vit/Mineral suplements including Kelp, Gum Guggul, Co-Q10 and Russian Rhodiola.
My settings are 16/12 cm H20 with an IPAP/EPAP sensitivity setting of 7. I use an ultra mirage FFM and a Puritan Bennet GK 425.
In my 5 years of therapy, I always felt as if my therapy was not 100%.
Another theory mentioned was that of Adrenal Fatique from Stess and overwork.
I have already ruled out Lymes. My biggest problem is with mental focous and with fatigue. I can sleep like a mummy with that mask on! If I want to I could sleep 12 hrs a day....doesn't make a difference!
I feel the best between 5PM and 10 PM....the rest of the day I am useless.
I know if I see my sleep doc he WILL put me on Provigil....he loves the stuff! Don't want to go there unless I have to....I don't like drugs!
I allways wonder...If I do go on Provigil and it helps me stay focoused, and energetic....perhaps I'll be able to start working out again.
My biggest regret is not looking into OSA until age 40. I am certain I had it in my mid thirties, yet I was in shape then! 185 pounds...benched 225, squat 275 for reps, Could do 17 chin ups, 45 Dips, wore a 34 pants. 48 jacket and needed Athletic Cut Clothes. Couldn't stay awake unless I drank 2 POTS of coffee a day and used Ephedra pre-workout. I chalked it up to "Overtraining".
Now at 240 I an out of shape...but don't fall asleep during the day, but still don't feel refreshed.
You are not alone in the sleepiness and lack of energy.
Hi,
I just started with this cpap contraption. I have always felt like I was pretty active and peppy but the last year or so I can go to sleep during the day very easily. I also sleep all night (or thought I did) and never feel rested.
I keep reading where everyone can read their results. How?
Brea in Fla.
I just started with this cpap contraption. I have always felt like I was pretty active and peppy but the last year or so I can go to sleep during the day very easily. I also sleep all night (or thought I did) and never feel rested.
I keep reading where everyone can read their results. How?
Brea in Fla.
What is Provigil and what is it used for?
New, sleepy c-papper here trying to learn about all this stuff!!
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Sleepless on LI
- Posts: 3997
- Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 6:46 pm
- Location: Long Island, New York
If you have a Remstar Pro or Pro 2 or a Remstar Auto OR a PB420e (I'm not sure if there are others), there is software that records your nightly events. If you are on a Remstar, it has a smart card that fits into the machine. Then you need to purchase the Encorepro software and a card reader. In the morning, you take out the smart card from the machine, put it in the card reader that attaches to your computer via a USB connection and you upload your data into the software which gives you your information.
If you are on the PB 420e, there is not removable card, but a cord with which you attach the 420e to the computer and the information is transferred directly from the machine to the computer. That machine uses Silverlining software, also separately purchased for your computer, to see what the machine records.
If you are on the PB 420e, there is not removable card, but a cord with which you attach the 420e to the computer and the information is transferred directly from the machine to the computer. That machine uses Silverlining software, also separately purchased for your computer, to see what the machine records.
L o R i
Thanks for the info. Why didn't the doctor mention any of this? I thought only he had some way to read it. I feel like everything is a secret I have to figure out. Glad I found this site!
I am so new at all this. I thought I had the humidifier on last night but it wasn't on. I don't think doctors know (or care)how weird these things feel at first.
I am so new at all this. I thought I had the humidifier on last night but it wasn't on. I don't think doctors know (or care)how weird these things feel at first.
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Sleepless on LI
- Posts: 3997
- Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 6:46 pm
- Location: Long Island, New York
I feel like everything is a secret I have to figure out. Glad I found this site!
Brea, you are so right. And that's why this site is a true Godsend. Most people feel like you, if not all, when they are first diagnosed. Then the lucky ones discover this site and everything starts to fall into place.
Keep posting with all your questions and you'll do just fine. There are so many great and informed people on this site willing to help. All you have to do is ask!
Best of luck...
L o R i
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