palpitations/ectopics from napping without cpap?

Hi,

I am being treated for OSA with a cpap machine that has worked great. In the last week I have been experiencing palpitations/ectopics that have troubled me somewhat I get about 5 a minute sometimes, I haven't had them for years, pre cpap etc, so I was wondering what is going on. I couldn't think of anything I was doing differently but then it has occurred to me.

I have been seperated from my wife but in the last two weeks we have been trying to reconcile very strongly. I go over to our house (currently sleeping at my old mans house where cpap is) for dinner every night and then we watch DVDs on the couch and cuddle, I often end up falling asleep (cpap not at my wifes /our house) for about 1 to 5 hours waking frequently before heading back to my olds mans house at midnight for CPAP sleep. I even hang out at our house on weekend and sometimes nap for about 3 hours in the afternoon without the cpap also. My wife says I don't have apneas but snore, but then again when I was having an AHI of 200 pre diagnosis she didn't realize and just said I snored.

Could this be causing the palpitation/ectopics? My osa has lessened as i`ve lost weight and I don't feel tired when napping without cpap just wake frequently which I suppose is the main symptom I had pre cpap also with afternoon tiredness.

Thanks for any advice

Yes. ANY sleep with out your cpap machine is going to stress your body. More then that is that yuor body no longer is used to it and can not defend itself as well.

Buy a cheap second hand machine to "travel" with.

"Palpitations" equate to possible atrial fibrillation, a common finding in untreated (and often treated) apnea. You need to see your doctor to rule out potential trouble and for heaven's sake use your machine every single time you sleep!

On the other hand, palpitations are often linked to stress, and I can't think of a more stressful situation that attempting to reconcile your marriage!

Don't read that as "it's ok to sleep without your machine" because I certainly didn't say that. I agree with the overall philosophy that OSA patients should ALWAYS use their CPAPs. But I suspect in your case the palpitations are related to the stress in your environment.

It's always wise to consult your doctor when a change like this occurs. Always.

Stress is also one of the most common triggers for heart problems.
See your doctor. ---Just don't tell him a frog sent you.