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Disrupted sleep pattern with CPAP
Am I gonna be on here every day with a new c/o??? Sorry guys, but after having another weird night of disrupted sleep, I'm confused with what's going on.
Night before last, I reported sleeping 3-4 hours on CPAP and sleeping well after turning down humidity from 4 to 3. Was up 2 hours, back to sleep with pump x 2 hours, mask off then and inadvertently went back to sleep for 3 hours. LAST night I slept well 3-4 hours on CPAP, woke up, and here I sit, exhausted and awake. Does anyone know what may be disrupting sleep. I've taken Xanax 1.0 (no more ever) for many years to sleep at all--usually slept (or thought I did) for 6-8 hours. Doesn't seem to be working at all well now. If I take Nyquil, which I did for a couple of nights with this cold, I sleep well. Without it for 2 nights now, not sleeping beyond 3-4 hours, then intermittently after getting up. Frustrating and I'm exhausted. Had hope yesterday. Today not so much...am also sneezing a LOT this a.m., which is what I was doing when my cold started. Is this a result of turning down humidity? It worked night before last although I still had disrupted sleep. But I felt better when I work.. Today I feel lousy. Can't help but wonder if humidity is the problem, but (?). How long did it take for anyone out there to get all this adjusted. I feel like I'm gonna die from exhaustion right now.
Night before last, I reported sleeping 3-4 hours on CPAP and sleeping well after turning down humidity from 4 to 3. Was up 2 hours, back to sleep with pump x 2 hours, mask off then and inadvertently went back to sleep for 3 hours. LAST night I slept well 3-4 hours on CPAP, woke up, and here I sit, exhausted and awake. Does anyone know what may be disrupting sleep. I've taken Xanax 1.0 (no more ever) for many years to sleep at all--usually slept (or thought I did) for 6-8 hours. Doesn't seem to be working at all well now. If I take Nyquil, which I did for a couple of nights with this cold, I sleep well. Without it for 2 nights now, not sleeping beyond 3-4 hours, then intermittently after getting up. Frustrating and I'm exhausted. Had hope yesterday. Today not so much...am also sneezing a LOT this a.m., which is what I was doing when my cold started. Is this a result of turning down humidity? It worked night before last although I still had disrupted sleep. But I felt better when I work.. Today I feel lousy. Can't help but wonder if humidity is the problem, but (?). How long did it take for anyone out there to get all this adjusted. I feel like I'm gonna die from exhaustion right now.
Views: 97
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by D. W. Conn on
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Susan,
It took me about a month to get regulated and adjusted to my BiPAP. You have suffered for a long time with sleep disturbances and disruption. Your sleep hygiene is in need of tweaking. This just means getting into a new routine such as a regular bedtime.
If you feel there is a pressure issue please contacts your Sleep Physician you may need another trip to the sleep lab. HOWEVER you have been having cold symptoms. This can compound problems at the moment.
When I had trouble with sinus issues my MD had me place a couple of drops of certain medicinal oil in my humidifier. Notice I am not giving the name. I do not wish any harm to come to anyone. Always ask your Physician before adding or taking away anything from your nPAP.
As for Nyquil…this can keep you from going through the proper sleep stages. Please use caution when using anything to aid in sleep help.
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Permalink Reply by susan mccord on
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Rock told me the same thing re: Nyquil and I d/c'd it the past two nights. I DO have a problem getting to bed at a reasonable hour. Don't know quite why. Seems like I'm stalling even though I don't dread the mask anymore. I know part of it is because being awake in the dark, as opposed to being awake in the light, disturbs me. So if I wake prematurely and it's light I feel okay about getting up, vs the opposite if it's the middle of the night.....I don't even HAVE a sleep MD! I have a followup in about 3 weeks with the neurologist who ordered my sleep study. that was at the request of my cardiologist. She's not a sleep specialist, and I've only seen her once. Plus she held up my getting a pump for 2 weeks because she didn't sign necessary papers for DME. I had to chase THAT problem down myself. So I don't have much confidence in her follow-up. Can I just find a sleep MD on my own, or do I have to go back through her? My family doc is very sympathetic but not a sleep doctor--same with my cardiologist. What's the pecking order here? I really don't have anyone to call except my DME tech who's very helpful when I can catch up with him, but he's very busy and not available for kinda long periods of time. I DO feel like I need medical support from someone who knows about OSA...Also, as in prior discussions I reported, I've been taking 1.0 mg Xanax to sleep for many years . it worked well, providing 6-8 hours consistenly prior to dx and CPAP. Doesn't seem to be working now, but I can't d/c it ubruply and am not sure I should with all the stress of this...
-Susan McCord
D. W. Conn said:Susan,
It took me about a month to get regulated and adjusted to my BiPAP. You have suffered for a long time with sleep disturbances and disruption. Your sleep hygiene is in need of tweaking. This just means getting into a new routine such as a regular bedtime.
If you feel there is a pressure issue please contacts your Sleep Physician you may need another trip to the sleep lab. HOWEVER you have been having cold symptoms. This can compound problems at the moment.
When I had trouble with sinus issues my MD had me place a couple of drops of certain medicinal oil in my humidifier. Notice I am not giving the name. I do not wish any harm to come to anyone. Always ask your Physician before adding or taking away anything from your nPAP.
As for Nyquil…this can keep you from going through the proper sleep stages. Please use caution when using anything to aid in sleep help.
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Cardiologist, Internist and family practitioners oh my! The AASM boarded physician has completed a 2 year fellowship in Sleep Medicine. I would encourage you to seek medical advice from such an individual, however proceed with caution and remain confident in your cardiologist. Sleep Apnea can have devastating results with cardiac arrhythmias. Your Cardiologist will do the very best She/He can but sometimes need a little help from an MD-DO Boarded in Sleep. Google AASM Physicians and this will guide you to a list of MDs-Dos and hopefully one in your area.
....and remeber I am an RPSGT not and MD.....just an old sleeper
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I have TOTAL trust in my cardiologist, He's young and aggressive and has probably saved my life for a second time with this referral re: r/o sleep disorder. Should I call him? I just saw him last week. He knows I'm in tx with CPAP and that I have f/u scheduled with (non-preferred) neurologist. Can I self-refer myself to someone in neuro office who IS a sleep md, or should I just go elsewhere? My family doc will refer me--he has guys he works with.....
D. W. Conn said:Cardiologist, Internist and family practitioners oh my! The AASM boarded physician has completed a 2 year fellowship in Sleep Medicine. I would encourage you to seek medical advice from such an individual, however proceed with caution and remain confident in your cardiologist. Sleep Apnea can have devastating results with cardiac arrhythmias. Your Cardiologist will do the very best She/He can but sometimes need a little help from an MD-DO Boarded in Sleep. Google AASM Physicians and this will guide you to a list of MDs-Dos and hopefully one in your area.
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Permalink Reply by Dan Lyons on
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Susan,
You are going to have questions and minor setbacks, but it does get better.
Let me offer a couple of suggestions. Start a log dealing with you travels with *PAP therapy. Include everything, no matter how minor the detail. Clues to improvement can sometimes be hidden in the details, so everything is important, from your meals to you activities.
The medications you are/were taking do not leave your body with the snap of a finger. Their effects may linger for extended periods of time. Be patient.
The cold you are fighting may be some of the problem. Make sure you wash your mask daily to get rid of the nasty bugs you gave it over night. No sense in making yourself sick again each night. I would wash it daily for several days past the time when you become asymptomatic for safety sake.
[A side note to cleaning your mask- If you follow the manufactures instructions and the direction of the DME, they will wear the mask’s components out at a accelerated rate, thus creating re-occurring income for them as you purchase new masks continually. It brings smiles to their faces when you do this. (A new mask lasts me almost a year before I have to replace the cushion and headgear)]
Now lets start repaying your sleep debt you built up over the years. Liking buying a car, you will be making payments till such time as the debt is repaid. (We all can't hit the lottery.)
Happy hosing
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Thanks Dan! You continue to inspire me with your calm words of wisdom. LOL re: "hosing"
-Susan
Dan Lyons said:Susan,
You are going to have questions and minor setbacks, but it does get better.
Let me offer a couple of suggestions. Start a log dealing with you travels with *PAP therapy. Include everything, no matter how minor the detail. Clues to improvement can sometimes be hidden in the details, so everything is important, from your meals to you activities.
The medications you are/were taking do not leave your body with the snap of a finger. Their effects may linger for extended periods of time. Be patient.
The cold you are fighting may be some of the problem. Make sure you wash your mask daily to get rid of the nasty bugs you gave it over night. No sense in making yourself sick again each night. I would wash it daily for several days past the time when you become asymptomatic for safety sake.
[A side note to cleaning your mask- If you follow the manufactures instructions and the direction of the DME, they will wear the mask’s components out at a accelerated rate, thus creating re-occurring income for them as you purchase new masks continually. It brings smiles to their faces when you do this. (A new mask lasts me almost a year before I have to replace the cushion and headgear)]
Now lets start repaying your sleep debt you built up over the years. Liking buying a car, you will be making payments till such time as the debt is repaid. (We all can't hit the lottery.)
Happy hosing
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FYI--someone on here referred to you as "Dr. Conn"--that's why I assumed you were an M.D.--sorry! I don't care about credentials--I'm looking for experience, correct info, and support--you provide that along with several others on SleepGuide, and I thank you for that. Susan McCord
susan mccord said:I have TOTAL trust in my cardiologist, He's young and aggressive and has probably saved my life for a second time with this referral re: r/o sleep disorder. Should I call him? I just saw him last week. He knows I'm in tx with CPAP and that I have f/u scheduled with (non-preferred) neurologist. Can I self-refer myself to someone in neuro office who IS a sleep md, or should I just go elsewhere? My family doc will refer me--he has guys he works with.....
D. W. Conn said:Cardiologist, Internist and family practitioners oh my! The AASM boarded physician has completed a 2 year fellowship in Sleep Medicine. I would encourage you to seek medical advice from such an individual, however proceed with caution and remain confident in your cardiologist. Sleep Apnea can have devastating results with cardiac arrhythmias. Your Cardiologist will do the very best She/He can but sometimes need a little help from an MD-DO Boarded in Sleep. Google AASM Physicians and this will guide you to a list of MDs-Dos and hopefully one in your area.
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Permalink Reply by Moe-jo on
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Susan, I don't really have any advice other than to stick with it. I kind of took to CPAP like a duck takes to water, so I don't really have a lot of experience with the tweaking and such. My body is still adjusting though, and I felt very tired the first three weeks or so, no matter how well I slept.
I think you mentioned that your DME contact was knowledgable, but not available, I wonder if you were able to communicate to him just how much trouble you are having, and that you need help, would he be more responsive? Or even ask him if he can't help you, can he hook you up with someone who can. He is, after all, a service provider... he should be providing service.
Dan... "happy hosing"... how cute! :-)
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Permalink Reply by Meg on
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Susan Welcome to the 'Pap" world. The folks on this site are totally awesome,and I send them many kudo's for getting me started.
I've had a Auto-Pap for about 4 months and during the first 2 weeks I averaged 3-4 hrs of sleep. Finally begged my MD for a sleeping pill. (He thought I was depressed, apparently he didn't understand the power of a menopausal sleep deprived woman, trying to work and keep up with the family, cuz I was going to take him down if he didn't give me something to help me to sleep). I got into an anxiety state before going to bed just knowing it was going to be another miserable night, which totally did not help matters. I read that you take xanax, which is a plus, but your anxiety state over not sleeping is overtaking the effect of the med. I really feel your frustration and exhaustion from reading your posts.
Nyquil is a blessing and a curse. It contain Acetaminophen (aches and pains), Dextromethorphan (cough suppressant), Doxylamine (antihistamine that causes drowsiness, that wears off after about 4 hrs, but can leave you with a morning 'hangover' and combined with Xanax is a double whammy), and Pseudoephedrine (decongestant with known stimulant properties that can cause your heart to race and keep you awake after the antihistamine wears off).. NyQuil also has a 25% alcohol content which is why they conveniently provide a shot glass, I mean medicine cup, to dispense it. Again, alcohol consumption at bedtime and sleep is not a good combination. RESULT... you feel like cr*p. Now, everyone responds differently, but it sounds like it is not your friend.
I would not recommend stopping the Xanax, but would certainly recommend you call your MD and ask for one of the newer generation sleep meds now available, and a prescription intranasal spray which will help with the congestion. I had been skeptical about them, but have found it to be VERY helpful without having to be concerned about side effects.
I have yet to experience a "cold", but I'm sure I will be back to these pages to get more helpful hints when it happens.
Keep the faith sister....it will get better.
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Permalink Reply by RockRpsgt on
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Susan it seems like you brain might be hung up on the idea of a sleep aid. try taking your vitamins right before you go to bed. The act alone might help you with triggering your sleep cycle. Plus the vitamins will help you when you wake up.
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Hi Moe-jo--I liked Dan's Happy Hosing too. :-)
You're not the first person I've heard of who really kinda slid into this treatment with some level of ease. I'm happy for you, truly. Isn't it weird how it affects different people in such varied ways? I find that fascinating in the moments that I'm not just pissed off.
You're right about my DME. Someone on here (I'm losing track, sorry) reminded me that DME is a profit-based business and out to sell stuff. Well, duh, hadn't occurred to me. But it's occurred to me now. Having just written this, I bet it was Dan--sounds like him!!!!! I AM going to call him tomorrow and insist on an appointment. I'm also gonna cancel my appointment with the neurologist and make an appointment with a sleep-certified MD. I'm tired of screwing around with these people. Y'all have lit a fire under me. I figure if I'm gonna sit here being miserable, I may as well stir tht pot and get something done! Besides, I really do feel like I need medical advice. Someone, maybe Moe-jo said something about an Rx nasal spray that doesn't have side effects. I wanta know more about that. Anyway, thanks for your helpful thoughts. -Susan McCord
Moe-jo said:Susan, I don't really have any advice other than to stick with it. I kind of took to CPAP like a duck takes to water, so I don't really have a lot of experience with the tweaking and such. My body is still adjusting though, and I felt very tired the first three weeks or so, no matter how well I slept.
I think you mentioned that your DME contact was knowledgable, but not available, I wonder if you were able to communicate to him just how much trouble you are having, and that you need help, would he be more responsive? Or even ask him if he can't help you, can he hook you up with someone who can. He is, after all, a service provider... he should be providing service.
Dan... "happy hosing"... how cute! :-)
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Hi Meg! LOL re: your comment about "takin' down the doc" !!!!!!! You're talkin' my language, girl! Yeah, having worked in the healthcare system for many years, I've had a lot of women patients who got caught in that woman/menopause/"getting older what do you expect?/ depression crap with MD's. In this day and age, to tell women who are better informed than ever, is just obnoxious, uninformed practice. Practice in the true sense of the word!!!!
I understand what you guys are saying about Nyquil now. I quit taking it after Rock encouraged me to stop, but I've learned a few more things from you about WHY, so thank you. Do you know anything about Zyrtec? I've been told on several different sites, by several people (before I Ianded here, where I'm STAYING), that Zyrtec works wonders when you're having this stupid cycle of congestion/nasal drainage back and forth. I don't have any allergies that I'm aware of, but do you (or anybody who may be reading this) think that might be a better idea for symptoms? A lot of people seem to swear by it. I bought some but haven't taken it yet--wanted to check and see if any of you had tried it. Frankly, I'm hard-pressed to think ANYTHING'S gonna work wonders--sounds a little pie in the sky to me, but then I'm cranky so what do I know?
I appreciate your encouragement, Meg. Stay tuned. I WILL lick this damn thing 'cause I AM gonna sleep. If everyone else can do it, so can I. (Remind me tomorrow that I said that!!!!! )
Meg said:Susan Welcome to the 'Pap" world. The folks on this site are totally awesome,and I send them many kudo's for getting me started.
I've had a Auto-Pap for about 4 months and during the first 2 weeks I averaged 3-4 hrs of sleep. Finally begged my MD for a sleeping pill. (He thought I was depressed, apparently he didn't understand the power of a menopausal sleep deprived woman, trying to work and keep up with the family, cuz I was going to take him down if he didn't give me something to help me to sleep). I got into an anxiety state before going to bed just knowing it was going to be another miserable night, which totally did not help matters. I read that you take xanax, which is a plus, but your anxiety state over not sleeping is overtaking the effect of the med. I really feel your frustration and exhaustion from reading your posts.
Nyquil is a blessing and a curse. It contain Acetaminophen (aches and pains), Dextromethorphan (cough suppressant), Doxylamine (antihistamine that causes drowsiness, that wears off after about 4 hrs, but can leave you with a morning 'hangover' and combined with Xanax is a double whammy), and Pseudoephedrine (decongestant with known stimulant properties that can cause your heart to race and keep you awake after the antihistamine wears off).. NyQuil also has a 25% alcohol content which is why they conveniently provide a shot glass, I mean medicine cup, to dispense it. Again, alcohol consumption at bedtime and sleep is not a good combination. RESULT... you feel like cr*p. Now, everyone responds differently, but it sounds like it is not your friend.
I would not recommend stopping the Xanax, but would certainly recommend you call your MD and ask for one of the newer generation sleep meds now available, and a prescription intranasal spray which will help with the congestion. I had been skeptical about them, but have found it to be VERY helpful without having to be concerned about side effects.
I have yet to experience a "cold", but I'm sure I will be back to these pages to get more helpful hints when it happens.
Keep the faith sister....it will get better.
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