Sleep Apnea and Thyroid

Mikejr · Post by **Mikejr** » Wed Apr 30, 2008 8:34 am

I was wondering if anyone else suffers from Sleep Apnea and low thyroid. In June 2007, I was diagnosed with OSA and went on CPAP therapy. My breathing did not improve that much with CPAP therapy. Although I was able to tolerate it, used a full face mask and a APAP, my readings were not great. In July 2007, I was diagnosed with Hypothyroid and was put on Synthroid. After a few weeks, my breathing at night improved and my CPAP therapy readings were great. Average AHI of 1.5 to 3.5 a night.

Unfortunately, 6 weeks ago, I asked the Doctor to lower my Synthroid dosage due to ear ringing side effect and my TSH being right below 1.00. Now, I am having difficulty breathing at night. In fact, I am tired and ready to fall asleep when I go to bed. However, each time I dose off, my brain/body immediately wakes me up because my breathing has slowed or stopped. This results in a vicious cycle all night long with no sleep.

I am going back to the Thyroid doctor on 5/22. She can't see me any sooner. Therefore, I have to deal with this problem for the next 3 weeks. Should I take measures and drastically increase my pressure? Should I switch from Aflex to Clex? If anyone has this problem or knows anyone with this problem, any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

bap40 · Post by **bap40** » Wed Apr 30, 2008 8:58 am

Did your doc do a follow-up thyroid blood test after being off synthroid for awhile? Synthroid does not FIX the problem. It just keeps those hormone levels at a more normal level. There can be many reasons for high/low levels, some can be fixed and some not ever found and synthroid just keeps the level steady.

It's too bad that your doc has no appts any sooner.. maybe you can keep checking with them for a cancelation. Good luck

NightHawkeye · Post by **NightHawkeye** » Wed Apr 30, 2008 9:32 am

Mikejr wrote:I was wondering if anyone else suffers from Sleep Apnea and low thyroid. In June 2007, I was diagnosed with OSA and went on CPAP therapy. My breathing did not improve that much with CPAP therapy. Although I was able to tolerate it, used a full face mask and a APAP, my readings were not great. In July 2007, I was diagnosed with Hypothyroid and was put on Synthroid. After a few weeks, my breathing at night improved and my CPAP therapy readings were great. Average AHI of 1.5 to 3.5 a night.

Unfortunately, 6 weeks ago, I asked the Doctor to lower my Synthroid dosage due to ear ringing side effect and my TSH being right below 1.00. Now, I am having difficulty breathing at night. In fact, I am tired and ready to fall asleep when I go to bed. However, each time I dose off, my brain/body immediately wakes me up because my breathing has slowed or stopped. This results in a vicious cycle all night long with no sleep.

I am going back to the Thyroid doctor on 5/22. She can't see me any sooner. Therefore, I have to deal with this problem for the next 3 weeks. Should I take measures and drastically increase my pressure? Should I switch from Aflex to Clex? If anyone has this problem or knows anyone with this problem, any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Mike,

Welcome to the forum. I've been through some of what you're experiencing, having been on synthroid (as well as equivalents) for years but am not now taking any. As you know already, your metabolism changes when you initiate thyroid therapy or remove it. (duh!) We both had reasons for getting off thyroid though, so you might want to consider things which would allow you to not need to re-start thyroid again.

Here are my suggestions:
1) I'm assuming you still have the APAP, so you can look at your data and see if a pressure increase makes a difference. (If you don't still have an APAP, then consider buying one - either the Puritan-Bennett 420E or the Remstar-auto. Buy the associated software, as well. Either machine can provide enough useful information to help you resolve your OSA issues.) OSA is linked with aging, decreased metabolism, and musculature condition. Now, from what you've said, APAP itself didn't solve your apnea problems previously - prior to thyroid therapy - but then you weren't an active participant on this forum before either, so there's plenty of room for doubt about how fair a trial you really had with that APAP.
2) Conversely, assuming that your earlier APAP trial achieved the optimum possible results for APAP use, then you'll want to try something else. All improvements you can make to your general health can improve your apnea. OSA is really a systemic disorder. Exercise, weight control and good eating help.
3) Hypothyroid individuals get cold easily and tend toward poor circulation. The best supplement I have found for improving that is Cayenne Pepper. Don't laugh. Google the health benefits if you don't believe me. It increases metabolism and improves circulation, among its other benefits. It's not a favorite of "modern medicine", although I'd guess that's largely because there's no profit in it for pharmaceutical companies.

These three recommendations are things that I do. I use an APAP, I try to be careful with diet and exercise, and I consume ground Cayenne Pepper daily. I do them because I've found that they work for me. BTW, if you're not used to hot, spicy food, then start with small doses of Cayenne Pepper. If it's going to benefit you, you'll know within a few days. If you notice an improvement, then increase your intake.

Just my suggestions (but they work for me).

Regards,
Bill

ksp · Post by **ksp** » Wed Apr 30, 2008 10:18 am

BTW, if you're not used to hot, spicy food, then start with small doses of Cayenne Pepper. If it's going to benefit you, you'll know within a few days. If you notice an improvement, then increase your intake.

Bill, how much are we talking here? Normally I don't like hot and spicey food but will try anything.

NightHawkeye · Post by **NightHawkeye** » Wed Apr 30, 2008 10:25 am

ksp wrote:Bill, how much are we talking here? Normally I don't like hot and spicey food but will try anything.

I take maybe a half-teaspoon twice a day. It took me a few weeks to work up to that level though. I could tell a real difference in how I felt almost immediately even with a much smaller intake.

Regards,
Bill

Mikejr · Post by **Mikejr** » Wed Apr 30, 2008 10:51 am

Thanks for everyone's help.

I did not discontinue the Synthroid. I just had the dosage lowered. This may have put me at more of an Hypothyroid level contributing to my breathing problem. I will try to get in the doctor's office through a cancellation. However, it still takes 4-6 weeks for any new Synthroid dosage to work.

If anyone else has breathing problems caused by low Thyroid, I would love to hear from you.

travismcgee · Post by **travismcgee** » Wed Apr 30, 2008 10:57 am

[quote="Mikejr"]I was wondering if anyone else suffers from Sleep Apnea and low thyroid. In June 2007, I was diagnosed with OSA and went on CPAP therapy. My breathing did not improve that much with CPAP therapy. Although I was able to tolerate it, used a full face mask and a APAP, my readings were not great. In July 2007, I was diagnosed with Hypothyroid and was put on Synthroid. After a few weeks, my breathing at night improved and my CPAP therapy readings were great. Average AHI of 1.5 to 3.5 a night.

Unfortunately, 6 weeks ago, I asked the Doctor to lower my Synthroid dosage due to ear ringing side effect and my TSH being right below 1.00. Now, I am having difficulty breathing at night. In fact, I am tired and ready to fall asleep when I go to bed. However, each time I dose off, my brain/body immediately wakes me up because my breathing has slowed or stopped. This results in a vicious cycle all night long with no sleep.

I am going back to the Thyroid doctor on 5/22. She can't see me any sooner. Therefore, I have to deal with this problem for the next 3 weeks. Should I take measures and drastically increase my pressure? Should I switch from Aflex to Clex? If anyone has this problem or knows anyone with this problem, any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

sleeplessinaz · Post by **sleeplessinaz** » Wed Apr 30, 2008 11:00 am

Hello----I too suffer from Sleep Apnea and low thyroid. I have been taking Levoxyl for years ---.05mcgs. once a day. I probably had sleep apnea for a couple of years before I officially got diagnosed with it last year due to my husband complaining about the snoring and flopping around and not breathing.

I am not sure if if the low thyroid caused the sleep apnea though ---? i don't have the same symptoms as you do but thoought I would get my 2 cents out there for you--:)

Carrie

Mikejr · Post by **Mikejr** » Wed Apr 30, 2008 11:33 am

My blood test came back 3/24 and my TSH was .95. The doctor lowered my Synthroid dosage from .88mcg to an alternating every day .88mcg and .75mcg. My upcoming blood test on 5/22 will probably give me a TSH near 1.0 to 1.5 which would be a good number. I would not think that small of a change would affect my breathing.

At that time, I also went completely off of Lexapro after weaning slowly for 3 months. Since that time, I have felt great except for the last week when I have been getting worse day by day. My AHI last night was 15.2. I got maybe a couple of hours of sleep. It's almost like I have mini panic attacks that wake me every time I start to dose off. Do you think I should get back on the Lexapro? I don't think Lexapro would improve my breathing and AHI.
Thanks.

Claire · Post by **Claire** » Wed Apr 30, 2008 12:56 pm

Hi, I suffer from hypothyroidism as well and have taken Levothyrxine for about 15 years. I'm very stable on it and with no side effects. But, I do know people who are not so lucky. The thyroid is tricky and requires lots of monitoring by your doc.

I really don't think people on this forum have enough expertise to advise you about what drugs to take and what dosage. You're going through a tough time but I hope that, with your doc's help, you'll get settled.

travismcgee · Post by **travismcgee** » Wed Apr 30, 2008 1:09 pm

It is interesting that you mentioned "mini panic attacks", I am also taking Remeron (25mg) at night for severe anxiety, it has been about a month. Anxiety and panic attacks can wreak havoc on your sleeping. Before I started to get mine under control I experienced similar behavior at night, just as I was transitioning from being awake to the first stage of sleep my whole body would jerk me awake [known as hypnic jerk or myoclonic jerks].

My anxiety, which I believe was triggered by an apnea event, was so intense
that my chest would hurt. It was by far the worst at night. It became a vicious feedback cycle; I would get anxious cause I wasn't sleeping and the anxiety would prevent me from falling asleep. At one time I was taking 3mg of xanax and 3mg of lunesta and it would still take me 3 hours to fall asleep. Anxiety can also prevent you from reaching the restorative stage of sleep that we all crave and need.

Where you taking Lexapro for anxiety and why did you quit taking it?

sleeplessinaz · Post by **sleeplessinaz** » Wed Apr 30, 2008 1:47 pm

LOVE LOVE my LEXAPRO!!! I have been on that for a few years ---for Peri Menapausal symptoms --but now--do not try to take this away from me. This drug is truly the wonder drug--love it!! If I were you---start taking it again because it does help me sleep very well --better than AMBIAN.

Carrie

Mikejr · Post by **Mikejr** » Wed Apr 30, 2008 3:39 pm

I really thought I no longer needed to take it. I started on 10mg for 4 months, then 5mg for the next 4 months, and then 2.5mg for a month. I was doing great and told the doctor that I didn't think I needed it anymore. It was a solution to a temporary problem being anxiety and depression caused by sleep apnea and hypothyroidism. Although, I no longer suffer from depression, I guess my anxiety from sleep apnea has been building up for the past month causing my problems.

I don't intend for this to sound bad but I am relieved that someone out there has been going through the exact same problem. I thought I was the only one and was going crazy. I am going to the Psych tomorrow to get more Lexapro. I wonder if this is something I will have to take the rest of my life. I would prefer therapy but how do you control your brain at night when it is trying to sleep and wake you up when you don't breathe.

Thanks for all the great information.

sleeplessinaz · Post by **sleeplessinaz** » Wed Apr 30, 2008 4:24 pm

YEP--we are all here with the same darn problems--LOL! the Lexapro takes the edge of off life in general. You do not have to be depressed to take an anti anxiety drug these days. Our generation has so many stressful things in life --so much new technology and also lots of multi tasking!! So takiing 10 MGS or so of Lexapro is not a big deal anymore---it is all what we need to get by. I thingk it even things out for me and I am able to have more patience at work and at home since I have been on it. Don't be afraid of it--there are people that are on alot worse than LEXAPRO!! Cheers!!
Carrie

Mikejr · Post by **Mikejr** » Wed Apr 30, 2008 6:26 pm

travismcgee I was talking about you as having the same exact problem. Although, I know we all have similar problems. All advice is appreciated.

travismcgee please keep me up to date on your progress regarding the Remeron. Is it working well so far?

Thanks.

Sleep Apnea and Thyroid

Sleep Apnea and Thyroid

Re: Sleep Apnea and Thyroid

Re: Sleep Apnea and Thyroid

Machine	Mask

Additional Comments: new Airsense auto set 12/08/14. Cpap pressure is