Reduction in AHI --> 10x more tired??

Hi all,

Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this phenomenon... I have mild obstructive sleep apnea (AHI = 6, O2 > 92% always, diagnosed in overnight PSG) which causes me brain fog and mild fatigue throughout the day. I tried both ResMed Autoset CPAP (w/ EPR=3) and a Silent Nite mouthguard (separately), but both cause me to be 10x more exhausted the next day, to the point where I cannot function past around 3pm. The only upside is I feel more clear-headed, but it doesn't really matter since I get so tired. (Normally, without CPAP or Silent Nite, I can easily get through the day without a nap, but feel foggy and mildly fatigued).

The strange thing is I don't find CPAP nor Silent Nite uncomfortable, and can usually sleep through the night. I can't think of any other explanation for this other than my brain is thrown off by the *lack* of apneas?? Or an unmasking of limb movements? (My PLM index during PSG was 19/hr, but only 2 PLM arousals / hour). I don't think it's due to CPAP settings, since I've found a pressure setting that doesn't require big increases throughout the night, and shown my Oscar data to my Dr who agreed everything looked successful (AHI < 1, hardly any leaks). Have had a complete blood workup, no other disorders nor medications other than pepcid for GERD (which doesn't wake me up at night).

If anyone has gone through a similar experience, please let me know how / if things improved for you.

Thanks!

Welcome! How long have you been using CPAP? Any other changes going on -- different sleep environment or sleep schedule? Changes in exercise, drinking, eating, or coffee habits? Did the work-up include tests for testosterone levels, thyroid function, autoimmune diseases?

Unexplained fatigue or tiredness is frustrating and debilitating. From your description, an Oscar daily chart is unlikely to be informative, but you never know. Could you post one for a recent and typical night?