How do you fight the sleepiness?

[bernerbits]

5 days until I get my CPAP, and then however many weeks, months etc. using it/adjusting it until I'm getting the full benefit.

So until I am treating my apnea, I am still fighting sleepiness throughout the day. I can't use caffeine as more than one caffeinated drink per day gives me horrible chest pains, and after noon it keeps me awake at night.

What do I do to help the sleepiness in the meantime?

[Julie]

You could try sleeping in a recliner - it helps some people, and if you're in a bed, stay off your back (if necessary with pillows, etc. behind you to keep from turning when asleep) as the position encourages more apneas, and you might ask your MD for 'Provigil', a medication that helps as well.

The coffee is giving you GERD (gastroesophageal reflux, acid reflux) and probably awakening you just as the apneas are, without your realizing it - often called 'silent' GERD because of that. It's something a lot of us have, but your idea of not having caffeine after noon is a good one.

[bernerbits]

Yeah, it's definitely GERD... I went on antibiotics for H. Pylori 10 years ago and I take a lot of zantac. Used to take Prevacid until they found that link between PPIs and Alzheimer's.

I tried propping myself up on pillows last night, but it kept me awake through my narrow falling asleep window, and I didn't get to sleep until after midnight.

I've heard of Provigil since I've got ADHD and it's occasionally prescribed offlabel for it. However, I was scared to ask my doctor for it because asking for drugs by name can get you flagged as a pill seeker.

[Julie]

That sounds a bit silly to me - if you need it you need it, but another light is now flashing - are you on stimulants for ADHD? They could be affecting your apnea, and if you take Provigil on top of them, you may not fall asleep... or is that something else you've dealt with? And I really don't understand adults who are afraid to even ask for necessary medication (outside of banned opiates) because they're afraid of being turned down - at least let the doctor make that decision!

[bernerbits]

I've been off stimulants for most of the year. When the chest pains started my GP and psychiatrist both agreed it was best that I get off the stimulants to be safe. I've kept my supervisor in the loop and so far it hasn't been a problem.

In any case I sent my doctor an email about Provigil.

[bernerbits]

She said no Provigil until I spend some time on the CPAP, and recommended Wellbutrin in the meantime. Wellbutrin doesn't do much for me but I've got a huge supply so I might as well...

[Julie]

How does Wellbutrin keep you awake?

[bernerbits]

I guess it's been known to have stimulant effects in some people.

[dwood003]

Tell your doctor your falling asleep at red lights, I was and he prescribed Provigil (Mondafinil).

[dwood003]

Your doctors right, you have to be on cpap for your insurance to pay for Provigil. My doctor has to request pre authorization ever year and I get a 90 day non refillable prescription followed with a new prescription. Lot of hassle but they work.

[piglet14]

I sing in a choir. When I have to drive any long distance, I sing. I'm not being silly . My daughter lives 50 minutes from me and I like to help her with my 3 grandchildren. I have all our current music on a cd programmed in my car. I have usually memorized all music well before performance. This really does keep me awake while driving... And usually happy, too.