Need sleeping pill suggestion to stop waking up

[cosmo]

Does anyone recommend anything over the counter I can buy to keep me from waking up? I can fall asleep within minutes and when I do wake up, I can fall back asleep fast. I just need something to keep me from waking up.

Also, would they leave me with residue effects the next morning? Would they have an effect on sleep stages?

This would only be temporary as I am already making lifestyle changes and adjustments. The waking up is not due to cpap treatment.

[herefishy]

Maybe something like Advil PM? I've taken it with no ill effects, but not very often.

[chunkyfrog]

Diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in AdvilPM, is the same thing as Benadryl. Do not be surprised if it causes some centrals.
If you use Advil PM, be very conservative in your dosage to avoid that side effect.

[bucksbeek]

I have taken ZzzQuil twice to sleep. It's from the makers of NyQuil but without the medicine (just the "help you sleep better" part). It is also Diphenhydramine and does leave you with a groggy after effect. Works beautifully though .

[cosmo]

Looks like the Advil PM and ZzzQUIL both contain Diphenhydramine at the same 25mg/pill.

ZzzQUIL only contains Diphenhydramine while Advil PM contains extra pain reliever. I'll see if there is a generic Diphenhydramine only pill.

[angcor580]

My sleep specialist told my to never take any sleep aids as it will make my OSA episodes worse. Be careful!

[Pugsy]

OTC Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) is probably about all there is available without RX that might help you stay asleep.
Next day after effects will depend on dosage and how late in the night you take it. I can take 50 mg at 11 PM and not have any morning hangover but how it might affect you is just like all cpap stuff...YMMV.

How many times do you wake up? Any idea why?

[CPAPhope]

If you are able to go back to sleep easily, and feel that you are getting a good night's rest, why bother with something that may make your apnea worse? Just adjust your attitude, and tell yourself it's only a minor nuisance that you can live with.

[cosmo]

Sleep stages is why I need to sleep through the night. An awakening can boot me out of sleep stages I need.

I am going to be on cpap for a bit longer before I go to the doctor about night time wakings. I will probably be wasting my time going to the doctors and complaining about night time waking so early on in treatment. So that is the next phase I will tackle.

I did go to Target and pick up some generic Diphenhydramine. 100ct 25mg for $6. ZzzQUIL 16ct were selling for similar prices. Thank goodness for generics.

[StuUnderPressure]

I did go to Target and pick up some generic Diphenhydramine. 100ct 25mg for $6. ZzzQUIL 16ct were selling for similar prices. Thank goodness for generics.

You can get 1,000 of 50 mg of Generic Benadryl for about $19 on Amazon.
20 times the mg for only a tad over 3 times the price.

http://www.amazon.com/Generic-Benadryl- ... B001X45QII

[cosmo]

You can get 1,000 of 50 mg of Generic Benadryl for about $19 on Amazon.
20 times the mg for only a tad over 3 times the price.

Self-medication for short-term (i.e., ?2 weeks) management of occasional sleeplessness, particularly in individuals who have difficulty falling asleep

I think this is more geared for a small clinic.

[borgready]

If you wake up then maybe your waking up for a reason. Taking sleeping meds or drugs that make you sleepy is not a good idea if your on Cpap. The first time something goes wrong, and you know this happens, and you are out of it from the meds, you could get messed up big time. I guess it depend on how bad your sleep apnea is. If you can't sleep and breathe on your own with out the machine then don't take drugs that put you to sleep. This has happened to many movies stars as they make a big to do out of their deaths. A lot of them die. from taking drugs that make them sleep or a cocktail of drugs that put them into deep sleep.

[cosmo]

I'll wear my oximeter and have it sound the alarm if I drop below a certain o2 amount

I have slept with my mask on and not connected to machine's hose. I forgot to clip it back on once after waking up. I was able to breathe ok out of a small tube filled with my own cO2. I have mild OSA so I'm not as severe as others.

I probably should update my will and life insurance info just in case. My family will be in a for a nice windfall if I do kick the bucket

[Todzo]

I'll wear my oximeter and have it sound the alarm if I drop below a certain o2 amount

I have slept with my mask on and not connected to machine's hose. I forgot to clip it back on once after waking up. I was able to breathe ok out of a small tube filled with my own cO2. I have mild OSA so I'm not as severe as others.

I probably should update my will and life insurance info just in case. My family will be in a for a nice windfall if I do kick the bucket

Hi cosmo!

I think your family would be happiest having you, but, always good to be prepared for their sakes.

FWIW I actually have moved my vent point a bit down my tube (EERS[1]) to help with a tendency to hyperventilate due to Post Traumatic Stress. Not good to have that point some six feet away however. Take care my friend.

I would not recommend sleeping meds for anyone using PAP. We have enough things interrupting our sleep without adding the effects of a drug.

Today I will walk over 10,000 steps and probably spend an hour on a cycle (low stress exercise to keep my knees doing well). I find that doing a lot of low impact exercise at “fat burning” heart rate levels makes getting and staying asleep much easier. I do not have TV at home but they do at the fitness place so that is a draw for me and most of the things I watch are an hour long.

Have a great weekend!

Todzo

[RandyJ]

Benadryl is safe but can dry you out, especially at dose of 50 mg and greater. If you wake up with dry mouth and sinuses, don't blame cpap...