More exhausted then ever!!

[njkmommy]

I have been on sleep therapy for awhile now (over 8 months) and in the beginning I was having fit problems with my mask and leaks. Also, the Dr had my machine set way too high and I constantly felt like I was gasping for air. Once he adjusted things, I slept much better until recently. I usually go to bed around 11PM and am awake by 5AM (I know that is not a lot of sleep, but because of chronic back problems, this is all I can do at the moment) The problem is that I am constantly falling asleep wherever I am. I could have just woken up, and within an hour, I have dozed back of to sleep. Once my 5 year old is up, I am running around getting her ready for school, but can barely keep my eyes open! I am totally cranky as well, as you can imagine.
I thought I was going to begin to feel better with this machine, instead like I am not sleeping at all! What can I do? I am going to se the dr. on Tuesday, but I don't even know what to say other than the obvious...as I am typing this,I am fighting the urge to shut my eyes...I am starting to lose it! I am only 40 years old but feel like I am 75 and on my way to a home. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!!
Christine

[Muse-Inc]

Leaks?

[njkmommy]

Hi Muse-Inc
No, I dont seem to have any leaks...I fix the mask pretty good before I go to sleep. My husband wakes me up if the mask leaks.

[TerryB]

Your profile says you have software. You need to let us know what the reports are saying.
Aside from my CPAP and its trials and tribulations, I have just begun a new BP med which knocks me on my backside within about 1-1/2 hour.
If I don't find something to keep me moving on the weekend, I can sleep it away just by taking the morning and afternoon doses of Clonidine.


If you can at least post your numbers, we may be able to see something.
On the other hand, 6 hours is a mighty short sleep period.


Hang in there, we may be able to help you figure out what to do to improve things.

regards,
TerryB

[KengEsq]

I have been on sleep therapy for awhile now (over 8 months) and in the beginning I was having fit problems with my mask and leaks. Also, the Dr had my machine set way too high and I constantly felt like I was gasping for air. Once he adjusted things, I slept much better until recently. I usually go to bed around 11PM and am awake by 5AM (I know that is not a lot of sleep, but because of chronic back problems, this is all I can do at the moment) The problem is that I am constantly falling asleep wherever I am. I could have just woken up, and within an hour, I have dozed back of to sleep. Once my 5 year old is up, I am running around getting her ready for school, but can barely keep my eyes open! I am totally cranky as well, as you can imagine.
I thought I was going to begin to feel better with this machine, instead like I am not sleeping at all! What can I do? I am going to se the dr. on Tuesday, but I don't even know what to say other than the obvious...as I am typing this,I am fighting the urge to shut my eyes...I am starting to lose it! I am only 40 years old but feel like I am 75 and on my way to a home. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!!
Christine

Have you seen a doctor recently and advised the doctor of you current issues? It may be time to see your sleep doctor as well as you PCP just to be safe and not rely on the advice you may get here. Something other than OSA could be an issue.

[KengEsq]

Depression comes to mind as a possible explanation.

[Julie]

You also need to find out (from your husband?) if once you're asleep (beyond a few minutes) your mouth opens and all the Cpap air comes out. It happens to a lot of us, likely resulting from the pressured air coming in, and what I and so many others have done is switch to a full face mask (just an extended nasal one) so that if we sleep with our mouths open, it's ok as the air ends up where it belongs, plus it's also a good thing to have if you get colds and stuffiness that make nasal masks ineffective.

[millich]

Christine,
As suggested, it would be great if you looked at your reports and posted them here for interpretation by those with more expertise than I.

I have to say, though, that if you're only getting 6 hours of sleep a night, I'm not sure you're gonna feel good no matter how effective your CPAP. If it were me, in addition to getting help here, I'd REALLY concentrate my efforts on getting enough relief from your back problems to allow you a full nights rest.

[Spirit]

It seemed no matter what I tried, I alway's felt tired !!! All leaks under control, all data under control, sleeping 8-9 hrs, and still felt tired. One evening I took a nap, for around 2-3 hours, woke up and felt 1000% better, no kidding. That's when I realized, my body required alot of sleep. Now I try to sleep 10-12 hrs, that's when I feel my best, I can function.

Sometimes lifestyles demands alot of our time, away from getting the proper rest we need, for our bodies to heal, which in turn can cause stress & make a person feel more tired then usual, even those not on cpap therapy.

So now, my therapy comes first, and everything else is put on hold. Yes, it was a difficult adjustment, cause I have a super outgoing personality, I dislike being cooped up/tired, decline invitations, etc..... But my body requires sleep, and it's going to recieve it.

You may require more rest, then you are getting, try going to bed an hour or two earlier each night, and see if that helps.

[BlackSpinner]

While you might be getting sleep without leaks if you are not getting REM sleep because of pain issues you will still feel like crap.