sleeping on machine...

I'm beginning to get really annoyed.

I think I got most of my bipap settings and equipment good. I knocked my pressure settings up a notch and am now more comfortable, I'm getting very used to the physical feeling of the mask, anxiety is pretty much nil, etc, etc. Pretty much there doesn't seem to be a problem with anything.

But I can't fall asleep! Nothing's bothering me, I'm breathing fine, but I'm just tossing and turning and can't fall asleep.

Am I missing something? Or will sleeping just... come in time?

I have a similar problem I was going to ask about. I am a lot more rested and alert during the day so I must be sleeping. It seems like at night though I am not getting any sleep. It seems to me like I am always fighting mask leaks and tossing and turning. I know I must be getting some good sleep since I feel better during the day. Is this feeling of always being awake at night common? Will I ever go to sleep at bedtime and wake up only when morning comes? I have only been on the hose for 1 1/2 months.

Dale

I think it's a common affliction (cause I suffer from it too!) I thought I was probably the only one LOL!

I know absolutely nothing about this, so don't swallow this without chewing.
I just came to think, maybe your sleep quality is better so you get the sleep you are accustomed to
in less time now. I mean, people (like myself) can get accustomed to sleeping less than the actual need is.

I felt the same way the first few weeks. Then I realized I was waking up 2-3 times a night instead of choking to death 130 times an hour all night.

I think most people have this same problem when they first get a CPAP. I tried for several months to get adjusted to my CPAP. I tossed and turned, and usually took the mask off in the middle of the night without even remembering it. Then one day something happened. It was like I surrendered or something. I was so sick of not sleeping well that I just gave up and said, okay - if I have to wear this damn thing then I will just accept it. After that I started sleeping through the entire night with it, and have been doing so every night since.

I used to be a stomach sleeper, but with the CPAP I had to become a back sleeper. I actually like this position better now - it seemed to solve my GERD problem (or the CPAP did). I get a full night's sleep and feel wonderful in the morning.

Just keep working at it and don't give up. One day it will just happen, and you will be able to live with it. As with anything - practice makes perfect. I sucked at playing guitar really bad for the first few months (many years ago)... then I got better and better. Just don't give up.

It gets better!!!

You might try some benedryl. It's an antihistamine that causes drowsiness -- I've actually been using it for years -- You can get it in Unisom and the like. Don't get the Tylenol PM's or those kinds of things unless you need the tylenol -- the "PM" ingredient is benedryl.....The generic is pretty inexpensive!! (I take 2 every night. I also have allergies, so it serves me dual purpose).....

Before treatment I used to get up 5-6 times a night to go to the bathroom.....Since treatment I get up once if at all....

Good luck!!!
cheers
goose