Benedryl does lower AHI

Corky1121 · Post by **Corky1121** » Mon Aug 17, 2015 9:10 am

I know I have questioned this two other times, but now the third time I am pretty sure benedryl lowers AHI. I only use it when I'm away from home. When I switched to a FFM with no benedryl my AHI has been higher, still under five though. But when I am using benedryl with FFM, the AHI is 0.7 to 1.7.

So why is this?

When I was asking why my AHI was higher on the FFM, someone said I may need higher pressure. But then if that is true,why is the AHI nice and low on benedryl with set pressure?

Anyone have an idea why this is?

chunkyfrog · Post by **chunkyfrog** » Mon Aug 17, 2015 9:29 am

I would suspect an allergen for the occasional congestion.
Next time you travel, you might try an antihistamine instead.
{{{To the random Googler: Benadryl is NOT for every day use--ever!}}}

Jay Aitchsee · Post by **Jay Aitchsee** » Mon Aug 17, 2015 9:38 am

From one of your other threads on the same subject:

Jay Aitchsee wrote:Some think diphenhydramine (Benadryl) has an impact on sleep architecture, often mentioned is a reduction in REM sleep. Many people experience more apneas during REM than during other stages. So, yes, if you are one whose apneas occur mostly during REM and Benadryl reduces the amount of REM sleep you obtain, then you might see a reduction in AHI. However, I don't think that's necessarily a good thing.
Here's one reference, Google for more.
http://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/495339
https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=ht ... e%2F495339

If you don't want to use Google, here's a quote:

http://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/495339 wrote:
First-generation antihistamines (eg, diphenhydramine, brompheniramine, or chlorpheniramine) have been used to treat allergies for a number of years and are available without prescription. However, they can also induce sedation via central antihistaminergic and anticholinergic mechanisms,[3,4] and this effect is widely exploited.

A number of clinical studies have addressed the dose- and time-dependent properties of antihistamines and found both subjective and objective changes in sleepiness, sleep, and psychomotor performance associated with the reduction in latency to sleep onset or increase in sleep duration.[5-8] Although previous studies tended to support the use of this class of drugs to treat occasional mild-to-moderate insomnia,[9,10] more recent opinions of sleep specialists have shifted strongly against this practice.[11]

The major reason for limiting the use of antihistamines for treating insomnia is their multiple side effects, including changes in sleep architecture, notably a reduction in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep caused by their anticholinergic effects; a reduction in cognitive functions;[12] day-after sedation; an increased risk of accidents;[13] the development of tolerance;[14] and interference with other medications. The side effects of antihistamines appear to be especially risky for elderly patients, almost 50% of whom use sleep medications occasionally or on a regular basis and who often choose OTC sleep aids.[15]

Corky1121 · Post by **Corky1121** » Mon Aug 17, 2015 10:26 am

Aha. Ok. So the benedryl may inhibit REM, and REM is when most OSA develop. Then I am still correct that benedryl lowers it. But then less REM would mean less good sleep? I only use it when I am away which is mostly in summer.

If I forgot anything from earlier posts on this, it's because I still have foggy brain issues, due to fibromyalgia and lyme and thyroid disease. Thinking and remembering is frustrating for me.

Thank you.

Jay Aitchsee · Post by **Jay Aitchsee** » Mon Aug 17, 2015 11:09 am

Looking more closely at the components that make up your AHI might also yield a clue. A reduction in the number of CA's, for example, could mean that the sedative effects of Benadryl are allowing you to sleep thru some things that otherwise might cause an arousal (and a CA), like pain for instance. Now this is purely supposition on my part, it could be something else entirely, like the REM thing, or a reduction in the effect of an allergen.
In any event, the long term use of Benadryl should be considered carefully even though it is one of the most common ingredients of OTC sleep aids.

Benedryl does lower AHI

Benedryl does lower AHI

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