Infrared Camera - What I've learned about my sleep

[bootz]

Wow, I must say I'm amazed at what I've discovered about my sleep patterns after purchasing an infrared camera. I purchased a wireless network camera made by Astak (http://www.molecamera.com/). It takes a little while to set up, especially if you have a lot of security on your wireless network, however it works well once it is configured. It has a built-in SD card slot to record video.

I always assumed I was a deep sleeper - once I'm out I don't remember anything. My apnea numbers have always been low, usually below 2-3. I would see spikes in my leakage numbers, assuming I was mouth breathing. Turns out that wasn't the case. Here is what I discovered:

- Very frequent tossing and turning. From back to side to back and so on. I have the camera set to record when motion is detected - I get at least 20-30 separate recordings per night.
- Even though I feel like it is a deep sleep, I frequently remove my mask (nasal pillows), rub/itch my nose, and replace the mask, with my eyes closed the whole time! Bingo, leakage.
- I noticed I was waking up with dry skin on my forehead and began developing acne. I couldn't figure it out until I saw how often I was rubbing/clenching my forehead with my hand. It is hard to describe, but it is most similar to how you hold your head when you are stressed out.
- I also very frequently cover/rub my eyes during the night, not unlike the forehead clenching described above.

It is no wonder I feel like crap even though my CPAP numbers are low. Now I just need to figure out what to do with this information. It was a real eye opener (pardon the pun). For anyone out there who has been frustrated with their sleep apnea I highly suggest looking into purchasing one of these cameras.

[Lizistired]

I felt the same way. I worry less about my ahi now and more about sleep hygiene and arrousals. The majority of my apneas are during arousals, and tend to not be during REM as they were during my study.
Wireless is a nice feature, but that camera is a bit pricey for me. I hacked a cheap $7 web cam with a piece of film negative.

[ThirdOutOfFive]

Whoa. Never thought of filming myself. Not sure I would want to know what happens most nights. . . .
But, if someone could film my dreams, they could give horror guru Steven King a run for his money.

[ameriken]

Great idea, it gives you another view (another pun intended) of how you sleep. And I'm thinking the same thing...once you know this, what do you do with it.

[Lizistired]

It's about the only way to confirm or discount positional apnea concerns.
There are a few other threads Jay started. Just do forum searches for "infrared" and "zeo".

[derek70]

Could you send more detailed info about your webcam hack?
I'm thinking about get a webcam with leds, hack the infrared filter out and replace the regular leds for infrared ones.
I'm quite sure that filming my sleep is as important as AHI data.

thanks.

I felt the same way. I worry less about my ahi now and more about sleep hygiene and arrousals. The majority of my apneas are during arousals, and tend to not be during REM as they were during my study.
Wireless is a nice feature, but that camera is a bit pricey for me. I hacked a cheap $7 web cam with a piece of film negative.

[Jay Aitchsee]

Derek, search YouTube for "infrared" or "infrared webcam" and you'll see lot of info on how to do the hack.

Basically, all you have to do is open the webcam and take out the infrared filter. It will be a red tinted piece of glass over the sensor. Put the webcam back together and you have an infrared camera. It is also now a very low light sensitive camera so that you may not need an infrared light source. If low ambient light doesn't bother you, you may find a dimmable conventional light source will work just fine.

As an alternative, building an infra red source is pretty easy and cheap. Under $25. Just a matter of placing some infrared diodes in series with a resistor. See my earlier post for circuit details. Again, YouTube has examples.
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=65101&p=607701#p607701


Jay

[Ms Piggy]

very interesting, and maybe explains why I think I've slept well but feel awful some mornings.

How about using a face mask if the amount of light needed bothers one.

[derek70]

This is the point.
With infrared light and cam you still sleep in total darkness.
I can only sleep this way.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZk-fokc9QU

very interesting, and maybe explains why I think I've slept well but feel awful some mornings.

How about using a face mask if the amount of light needed bothers one.

[Jay Aitchsee]

This video was made in total darkness, illuminated by infrared only.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXjXiPa ... re=related

Jay

[Kitatonic]

My husband used the infrared camera on us a few weeks and realized that we(kitty included) wake each other up. I am not so disturbed by the cat, but if my husband's exhaust blows on me, I awaken. His sleep has creaky bed-related awakenings. Unlike me, he is very light sleeper, with frequent turns, so even my one (pre-treatment was 2-3) BR trip rouses him.

Basically, we have accepted that we have to sleep apart. He has to have a memory foam mattress and the cat remains with me. His AHI has decreased markedly and mine a bit with this change. Now both of us have a 0 for AHI on a weekly basis.I agree that you need to actually see what is arousing you.