I have sleep apnea

[Catty1]

My new GP, hearing that I still had symptoms of ADD and depression (dysthymia) in spite of medication - enough impact that I still can't hold a steady job - sent me for a sleep test.

Here in Canada, if you want the government to pay for it, you wait about 8 months for an overnight study in hospital.

I opted for the short one; had an appt in a few days (yesterday), took the test machine home, and reported back this morning. Cost $183.00 inc GST to use the machine.

The results showed mild to moderate sleep apnea. I snore about 15 times an hour (THAT'S going on my internet dating profile LOL!), and stopped breathing a few times - maybe 9 during the night.

Three areas to look at:

1. Celexa - an antidepressant that I take at night.
2. ADD - related symptoms
3. Weight

4. Use of a nasal CPAP machine. I can rent one to try for $200 - that goes towards purchase which is $1500. I am still earning below par...but if improving my sleep quality gives me more energy and focus, that might help reverse a lifelong problem!

Weight...doc said to get out and burn 300 - 400 calories a day. Will review some activity-calorie charts.

The walking group in Cochrane meets 3x week at 9:30...and I just can't get moving by then. So maybe the machine will help!

Anyone's experience and insight welcome.


ETA: A link to a questionnaire http://www.newtechpub.com/phantom/question/quiz.htm

I read lots of articles in the doc's office, and was AMAZED at how much lack of good sleep can affect one's life!

[phesina]

I'm sorry to hear about all that, Candace. I hope you will find some solutions.

Please keep us posted, because you're probably not the only one. (Ahem, I take Celexa too, and my being such a space shot may have some ADD in it.)

Just what IS sleep apnea?

All the best with it,
Pat

[moosmom]

Sleep apnea is a condition where the person sleeping "forgets" to breathe. CPAP machines are away to make sure the person breathes on a regular basis. Apnea causes a lack of oxygen to the brain.

Do what you gotta do to make sure you're taken care of, girl.

[Bonny]

My husband has a cpap. He never had dreams like the rest of us do over the years. When you dream you are in a very deep sleep. With the cpap he started to have dreams. The doctor said if you are dreaming you are in a deep sleep & that is good. My husband was part of a test group with the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. He used one of their experimental machines for 90 days & they paid him a small amount to do all this. He has always been a good 20-30 pounds over weight & ended up with an irregular heart beat last spring. His heart doctor suspected sleep apnea. He was given a blood thinner in case of stroke or heart attack. The heart doctor sent him for the sleep test & then a stress test. He failed the stress test so then he was sent to rehab over a series of 3 months. He passed the last stress test, lost some weight, & has a cpap now. This cpap is one expensive machine but our insurance & medicare are to pay for a good part of it. There is a 60 day trial period & another visit back to the Mayo Clinic to make sure he is using the machine. I guess people get the machines & don't use them. He uses his for sure & his heart has also settled back to a healthy rhytme. So using the cpap, with exercise where you get your heart rate up for a good 30 minutes a good 3 times a week, & losing weight should make you feel better. I know he feels better. But check with your doctor on all this & I hope you get to feeling better.

[Catlady711]

Sorry to hear you have sleep apnea, but glad to hear that they did diagnose it so they can help you.

Yes lack of sleep can affect everything you do and your health in some surprising ways. Hopefully they'll get you on track to a good, restfull night's sleep on a regular basis.

[Catty1]

An example of what sleep apnea affects:
http://www.helpguide.org/life/sleep_disorders.htm

Do you . . .

* feel irritable or sleepy during the day?
* have difficulty staying awake when sitting still, watching television or reading?
* fall asleep or feel very tired while driving?
* have difficulty concentrating?
* often get told by others that you look tired?
* react slowly?
* have emotional outbursts?
* feel like taking a nap almost every day?
* require caffeinated beverages to keep yourself going?

http://www.helpguide.org/life/sleep_apnea.htm

Effects of sleep apnea on health
Sleep apnea has serious health consequences and can even be life-threatening. The main effects of sleep apnea are sleep deprivation and oxygen deprivation.

Sleep deprivation

Sleep deprivation hurts the person with sleep apnea and the bed partner. Frequent waking, whether remembered or not, causes fitful sleep and prohibits therapeutic rest. A bed partner may lose an hour or more of sleep each night from sleeping next to a person with sleep apnea. Along with the apnea episodes, side effects like excessive sweating and a frequent need to urinate disrupt sleep.
Often, a person with sleep apnea will wake up feeling like they have not slept or have difficulty staying awake during the day. Some trickle-down effects of sleep deprivation include a compromised immune system, poor mental and emotional health, and irritability.

Oxygen deprivation

When you stop breathing, your brain does not get enough oxygen. Serious problems can result from the oxygen deprivation of sleep apnea, including heart disease, high blood pressure, sexual dysfunction, and learning/memory problems.

Depression and sleep apnea

Approximately one in five people who suffer from depression also suffer from sleep apnea, and people with sleep apnea are five times more likely to become depressed. Existing depression may also be worsened by sleep apnea. While it is not clear whether the apnea causes the depression or vice-versa, studies show that by treating sleep apnea symptoms, depression may be alleviated in some people.

PS: A driving study showed that people with untreated sleep apnea drove just as badly as people whose blood alcohol level was over the limit.

This isn't just a chamomile-tea-at-bed situation.

[davidpizzica]

Catty, when I was tested, I stopped breathing 57 times in an hour, which is extremely dangerous. My CPAP machine has made a world of difference in my sleep and my ability to cope with my other health problems. Also, being portable, I was able to bring it up to the assisted living facility where I live now. Good luck with your machine.

[phesina]

Good God. Take care of yourself, Candace. I'm glad you have got this diagnosed, so you can take steps to alleviate it.

Wishing you all the best,
Pat

[Marigold2]

Oh I am so sorry please take care of yourself.

[Nomilynn]

I was diagnosed with sleep apnea about 3 or 4 years ago. I did the overnight stay in the hospital (the take home one didn't show anything) but it didn't take me 8 months to get in.. it was actually about 4 weeks, but I got in on a cancellation. Otherwise I think it was closer to 12 weeks.

Anyway, it was found that in 7hrs and 43 minutes, I was roused over 380 times, so I basically was being "woken up" ever 40 seconds or something rediculous. My specialist said that I was the worst case she had in her practice, and I was only 25 years old!

I was told I would have to use the machine as well, but I said that I wanted to try surgery first. I had my tonsils and uvula removed, as well as some tissue at the back of my throat. I figured if the surgery didn't work, I would go to the machine, but I REALLY REALLY REALLY didn't want to have to use one. Since the surgery, I am doing way better. I snore but only when I have a cold of if my neck is kind of crimped.

I'm so glad I did it. I used to get tonsilitis ALL the time, and I was always in pain and my tonsils were always swollen. Right before I saw the specialist, I was on antibiotics for about a month straight with strep throat. Since the surgery, I haven't even had a sore throat, let alone strep! And, I sleep like a baby!