what are the signs??

[Junaid]

what are signs that the cpap therapy is starting to work?

i used to be tired from the minute i got up in the morning. I would get these waves of super tiredness throughout the day.

Now that Ive been using my apap in the range that is not too far off from where I need to be...i think (10 to 14 at the moment), my onset of tiredness comes later in the day.

Once i get the first wave of tiredness, at say about 11pm then I continue to get waves of super tiredness throughout the day.

could the fact that the onset of my tirdeness being later in the day and not frst thing in the morning (like it used to be), be a sign that my thrapy is starting to work? I sure do hope so!!

what have your experiences as you approach that elusive (fr me at least) goal/optimal range or setting? or am i just starting to pay off my sleep debt, hence me feeling better?

[LinkC]

Well, that certainly could be a sign. I think it's different for each individual. Untreated, I was tired ALL the time. No particular "waves"...just sleepy and "drag-ass" from the moment i got up. Also in a fog...sometimes to the point of being dizzy.

The FIRST thing I noticed was the fog lifted. I was more alert...and started remembering things again. Then the tiredness began to lift. I still get tired toward bedtime...but that's pretty normal. I didn't notice any "tired onset" later in the day, but until the fog cleared, who knows what was happening?

Glad to hear your symptoms may be improving, tho.

[echo]

Hi junaid, the process will be a bit different for everyone, but yes your tolerance and ability to stay alert for longer periods is a good sign. For some people this happens immediately, I'd venture to say for most others it takes more time. You just notice over time that you become more "fit" again, less tired, more alert, thinking processes improve, perhaps weight loss or the ability to tolerate exercise, ...

In my opinion, more so than the "sleep debt" (due to frequent arousals) is the body's need to repair itself from the (previous) continued lack of oxygen, and that's probably what takes the most time to recover from.

In my case, I noticed an immediately reduction in the morning headaches, puffy eyes, and the hungover feeling (prob lack of oxygen!), and I didn't get irritated as quickly. Over a period of about 6 months to 1 year I noticed that my mental abilities improved (memory, information recall and retention, logical thinking). My tiredness took longer to resolve (still working on it), due to other factors at play.

[pdean44]

I went from wondering how i could survive the day to feeling tired. My pressure was too low and they changed that yesterday. My wife said she has seen improvements with me on my energy levels. I feel a litle better. With these ne settings i expect to feel a lot better over time. Many have brought up that you also need to practice good sleeping habits. The machine alone cant cure what it cant control. I have terrible sleeping habits compounded by working swing shifts. I am trying to manage it and am aware i need to do better. I am expecting gradual improvement over time. Took me many years to get as bad as i am and will take some time to undo it. I have high hopes of feeling better nwo that my apnea rates are way down finally. Good luck with your treatement. Keep an eye on your rates if they are make changes. i am pretty new to the game here. I have learned tons thanks to the folks here.

[slibhart]

I am six months into treatment and no longer need to take a nap in the afternoon. I have more energy and can get out and exercise/walk for a mile or two most days. I have better memory, feel more alert and have a better attitude about things. I love the extra energy and "wanting" to do things instead of looking forward to when I can sleep. I am finally sleeping through the night most every night.

[Sleeps Well]

Yes that's definate signs of improvement. I have been on a CPAP for over a year now, I used to to fall asleep without notice. My Doctor was even going to have my drivers license revoked for fear of falling asleep behind the wheel. Now I am good until @ 10- 11 pm then I have to sleep. It's just so nice being able to function during the day, don't you think?

[kteague]

Good to hear you're seeing improvement. Hopefully you will continue in that direction. Early on I got worse instead of better, but once my treatment was optimized (confirmed thru data), like the others, feeling the fog begin to lift was my first notable change. Slowly I began to stay awake for longer periods of time. You being able to start your mornings feeling better is a good sign. Keep us informed of how you continue to progress.