I week in.....

[memapenguin]

I have been using my CPAP for 1 full week now. I guess I am one of the lucky ones as I have only had a few minor issues. But I do have what may be silly question, how long will it take for my sleep pattern to normalize? Prior to CPAP I was suffering from alternating periods of insomnia and hypersomnia. For a period of 3 to 5 days I would sleep 3hrs or less during each 24hr period. During this time I was not sleepy but the longer the duration of the sleeplessness the more I suffered from confusion, brain fog, headaches and irritability. Then for the next 7 to 10 days I would sleep 9 to 12 hours at night and nap for 2 to 4 hours each day, yet I was always exhausted. Even while I was excessively sleeping it was not unbroken sleep, I was urinating every 2 to 3 hours. Since I started the CPAP I am averaging 9 to 10 hrs of sleep a night. After 20 plus years of getting up to urinate a minimum of 2 times a night I am not waking up to go at all. I can't say that my sleep is unbroken as I am waking up 2 or 3 times a night with minor mask leaks, but I never have to even get out of bed just readjust the mask and right back to sleep. I had 1 episode of insomnia right in the middle of the week where I only slept for 3 hours, but woke up twice during that short period of time because once I had taken the mask off and the other time because I had somehow managed to get tangled up in the hose. I may be incorrect but I am thinking 9 to 10 hrs a night is a bit excessive, shouldn't normal be closer to 6 to 8? Maybe I am over thinking it and just be quietly thankful I am not having any major adjustment issues.

[chunkyfrog]

It is normal to sleep longer each night while you are 'catching up'. No doubt you need the sleep.
The time varies, depending how much damage has been done, and your body's ability to make things right again.
The fact you are able to sleep well and long so early is a very good thing.
In my opinion, it is still a bit early to worry about sleeping so much as long as you are feeling better in the daytime.
Welcome.

[the_nap_ster]

Hi there!

I had the same sleeping pattern as you when I first started CPAP, and it freaked me out too. But I really think there is an adjustment that your body goes through in repaying your sleep debt and getting used to quality sleep. For me, it took a few months for things to even out, and now I'm pretty consistent in needing about 7.5-8 hours, no matter what.

Also, welcome to the forum! I LOVE your avatar. Any fellow Dr. Who nerd is a fried of mine!

[memapenguin]

Thanks for the nice welcomes and the good advice.

@the_nap_ster....it took me forever to find an icon that met the forum restrictions but I love it as well. I am a proud Whovian, Potterhead, & Sherlockian and always enjoy meeting others who "get it". And yes the answer is 42!

[Xney]

+1 on liking your forum avatar

[Java Time]

I may be incorrect but I am thinking 9 to 10 hrs a night is a bit excessive, shouldn't normal be closer to 6 to 8? Maybe I am over thinking it and just be quietly thankful I am not having any major adjustment issues.

Welcome! It seems like you are off to a great start and I hope you continue to improve at this fast rate.

At 1 week, it seems too early to know what your sleep patterns will settle at. As you get used to all of the stuff on your head and the air blowing around, you may require less sleep.

After 11 months on CPAP, I do still seem to require 8 hours per night, which is AT LEAST an hour more per night than I did when I was 20 years younger and sleeping without breathing issues or snoring. I'm not sure if I'm still improving or if I have plateaued. I continue to try new masks and pillows, and small things like varying my sinus rinse, aromatherapy, etc to see if there is anything else I can do to further decrease my AHI and improve my sleep.

Good luck!

[Tino2You]

Welcome to the club. I too, am (or was) a Dr fan although I am sad to say I watched it during his fourth reincarnation (Tom Baker) and a bit of the fifth.