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Daytime sleepiness

topic posted Sat, April 5, 2008 - 1:40 PM by 
HI everyone,

Well, after a couple of years of wearing my CPAP most nights I have lately just been feeling soooooo sleepy during the day. I could easily fall asleep just sitting at work or at a stop light. I just feel so sleepy lately. I am thinking maybe my apnea has gotten worse and maybe I am obstructing at night and I don't know it. ( I sleep alone so I wouldn't notice)...either that or I am just getting old.

I really hate the thought of going through another sleep study. I swear I only slept an hour at the last one. It must have been enough because they said I had moderate apnea.

Does anyone else still feel really sleepy during the day even while using their CPAP? I work a lot but I suppose I could take naps a couple of days a week on the rare days that I am home.

Thanks in advance for listening,

Pam
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  • Leah
    Leah
    offline 111

    Re: Daytime sleepiness

    Sat, April 5, 2008 - 5:29 PM
    Hi,

    I've been using a CPAP every time I sleep since June 16, 2006. And yes, I still have some "sleepy" days too when I need to lay down for a nap. A number of factors can play into this. IMHO, the main reason may be the fact that you're not using your CPAP every night. You wrote that you use it MOST nights. Being able to use your CPAP every time you sleep or take a nap will help keep the majority of OSA symptoms better under control. The more you use your CPAP, the more your body can go through the healing process instead of taking 2-3 steps forward and then 1 step back, so to speak.

    Also, if you get sick, catch a cold or flu virus, your body will have to fight both the virus AND the OSA symptoms. Seasonal allergies can make the OSA symptoms worse. The symptoms you're describing are classic ones and even though you may not want to undergo another sleep study you might need a different prescribed setting for your machine or a different type of machine -- BePAP, APAP, etc. Or, it could be as simple as just using your CPAP EVERY TIME YOU SLEEP, even if it is just for a nap. Inconvenient, yes. A pain in the backside, yes. Worth getting a good sleep and better health, PRICELESS.

    We're all here for you and please keep the faith and know you are NOT alone.

    Leah
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    • Re: Daytime sleepiness

      Sun, April 6, 2008 - 3:39 PM
      Hi Leah,

      Thanks for answering! This is why I am on this tribe...for honest answers like this from people who are going through the same kinds of things I am going through. So, yes I need to wear my CPAP every single night and see if my sleepiness doesn't go away completely. I guess I am just surprised by it because it's so sudden and extreme. Now that you mention it, I was recently sick with that respiratory infection that's going around and I am sure that could have contributed to this. What a good detective you are!
      So, I will vow to wear my CPAP every night..that I can do. Napping I almost never can do since I work so much but if I do I will wear my CPAP for that too.. done.

      I suppose if this continues after that I will have to ask my doctor about another sleep study.

      Thanks for the advice Leah. Always nice to read your thoughtful posts,

      Pam
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      • Leah
        Leah
        offline 111

        Re: Daytime sleepiness

        Mon, April 7, 2008 - 10:23 AM
        This tribe has been a total lifesaver for me. I didn't know what I was going to do when I was diagnosed. I didn't know where to turn. It was like "Holy $#(+" what do I do now???? But I found this tribe and OMG, the love and support and practical help I got here has literally given me a LIFE back; has helped me understand my OSA more and even allowed me to continue my medieval re-enactment camping events by helping me get the right battery back-up system for my CPAP!

        BTW, that respiratory infection that has been going around knocked me off my butt for 17 days and I slept most of that time (with my CPAP) and it almost felt like I did before I got my CPAP. I could barely stay awake, etc.

        Gotta go -- grandson over for a visit!!
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        • Karlana
          Karlana
          offline 40

          Re: Daytime sleepiness

          Mon, April 7, 2008 - 12:46 PM
          OK, I'm a lurker and a CPAP newbie but I have GOT to find out about the battery back up thing for Pennsic this year!
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          • Leah
            Leah
            offline 111

            Re: Daytime sleepiness

            Mon, April 7, 2008 - 5:24 PM
            Huzzah, another SCA sister!!!!!

            Karlana, You'll need a deep-cycle battery, similar to a marine battery; a good battery charger and a converter/inverter. I bought my system from Batteries Plus. There may be a store location in your location. The store personnel were really helpful and got me set up really quick. My total cost was around $360.00. I have a friend in my household who has a silent generator he brings so I can recharge my battery right in camp. Thankfully, both Estrella War and Southern Crusades has a recharging area for medical batteries. I was able to spend my entire week at Estrella War using my CPAP every night!!

            Love,
            Leah
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