Why Would You Think?

G Man · Post by **G Man** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 1:12 pm

Once or twice a week I like to take a nap either an hour or two after I get up or in the afternoon. When I don't hook up to cpap I may sleep sort of in and out for maybe 1 1/2 hours. (I know I'm having events but not being hooked up for once feels kinda good!) I'm satisfied with my little fitful nap.
When I hook up to the machine I sleep around 4 hours! I have a slight memory of big dream sequences occurring.
Has anybody been able use their cpap while taking a simple nap without going down for so long?

Mark

birdshell · Post by **birdshell** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 1:31 pm

It can be dangerous to sleep without the CPAP, but I really understand your need for some freedom. I try to use it, but a few times I have slept without the CPAP. This is no more than once per month, if that. I have a mild case of OSA, so perhaps napping sans CPAP is less dangerous for me than a more severe case.

However, I have not had your experience of taking longer naps with the CPAP that I have noticed. Sometimes I listen to the radio (or TV via the radio) and a show comes on while I'm reading. Then I will listen to the show, and sometimes drift off.

Warning: The following is a guess!

What I'm wondering is if the deeper sleep is caused (at least in part) by paying back your sleep debt? Once asleep and going into the deeper levels of sleep, emerging from the deeper sleep will have to take the time required to complete the sleep cycle.

Also:
When CPAP-free, you are unable to achieve a deeper sleep. Thus you will awaken more easily (and sooner).

I'm sure some Forum Folk who are more knowledgable will have more to say about this, but I certainly am with you on the CPAP freedom for the occasional nap.

tooly125 · Post by **tooly125** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 4:31 pm

G MAN,
This is only my opinion considering I have no idea of your sleep patterns.
If I were able to take a four hour nap only two hours after I woke up I would be a little concerned that my therapy was not working correctly.
How long have you been on cpap?
How many hours do you sleep at night?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 5:16 pm

Hi and thanks, I've been on cpap since 03/02/06 and am 100% compliant.
I average 6-8 hours per night of sleep with the machine and yes I feel totally better during the day now than I used to. Even at night with the machine I am out like a light for 6-8 hours except for maybe one slight wake up during the night. I think and feel that i am doing just fine.
Could paying back a sleep debt take months??

Mark

G Man · Post by **G Man** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 5:18 pm

That was me above. I see how this happens now!

Mark

tooly125 · Post by **tooly125** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 6:35 pm

Everyone is deferent but yes your sleep debt could take a long time to pay back.
If you mask up for your naps you will get caught up quicker and it is better for your body not to deplete it of O2 even just fore a nap.
if you only want to nap for an hour you could mask up and set an alarm clock. More of a hassle but better for you in the long run.

birdshell · Post by **birdshell** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 10:03 pm

We can only hope that a few months is not enough to repay the WHOLE sleep debt. Think how much better we may feel when it is TOTALLY paid back.

Of course, then one probably cannot pay it forward...even though it was a great concept for a book and movie.

Why Would You Think?