Remember when our parents used to tell us there are no monsters in your room and just go to sleep? Well, at almost 30, I'd disagree... those of you who talk to me regularly know this particular week has been awful health-wise. And the way I'm trying to help myself almost feels like it will do me in.
If you've read any of the blog before, you know that I've been suffering from who-knows-what for basically a year and a half, without any relief. The worst side effect has been the total exhaustion - sleeping well for 10-12 hours a night, but never feeling refreshed. Add on brain fog, and a lot of other symptoms, and that's been my life since 2011. Once in a while, though, I will have bouts of insomnia.
The doctor who is currently "treating" me did not seem overly concerned about it. He figured that it was just my body trying to reset itself. And, really, the insomnia wouldn't be too bad - getting 1-3 hours of sleep that night, have an off day, and back to my new "normal" the next night. Until Sunday night: drove home from family supper and was exhausted, and tried to go to sleep.
But I didn't. I was up from 7am Sunday until 11:30pm Monday: 40 hours. Needless to say, I didn't go into work that day - I made my sub plans at 4am. The only thing I did do (other than try to make myself so relaxed I would sleep) is pick up my sleep apnea mask.
I have NOT been diagnosed with sleep apnea. My specialist believed instantly I had a sleep disorder... even though I exhibit many symptoms that do not fit into the traditional scope. In June, I had to undergo a sleep study. I took a small machine home, tied myself down with a bazillion tubes, and "slept" for a night. The results letter I got from the clinic specifically stated I did not have the events during the night to indicate any sleeping disorder. But, my doctor is at a loss, so he still prescribed a CPAP equipment.
Following my own research, and other medical advice, I put off using the equipment. Thankfully, in SK, you don't have to pay for the actual machine, but you do have to pay for the mask, tubing and humidifier. Well, during that insomnia episode I was so stressed I went and bought it - over $500 (thank you benefits that will cover a portion). The specialist who fitted me explained everything really well, and I felt confident that I would get a decent night's sleep soon. Part of me was hoping that my specialist's "diagnosis" was right, and that I would magically feel my true normal again for the first time in almost 17 months.
Outcome: I have slept at most 3 hours a night since. The machine doesn't make a lot of noise, thank goodness. But I cannot fall asleep with the mask on. And the slight pressure of the air being forced up my nose PLUS having to have my mouth clamped shut is scary. I'm waking up because my lips part slightly and the pressure from the nose air is going straight out my lips (think like a water hose - it comes in my nose and straight out my mouth. I cannot breath in... so panic ensues). OR my jaw hurts from clamping shut, which means I'm not relaxing enough to fall into a deep sleep. Not to mention the thing strapped on my nose takes getting used to - new sleep positions, readjusting pillows, etc.
So I've started doing more research on CPAP, and many the support organizations say it could take UP TO A YEAR to get decent sleep with this! Really? A year!? And the few hours a night I'm wearing the mask, I don't feel relief. I get those bits of sheer panic.
I had a sleep routine down: work/TV/mark/etc. until I was sleepy, and then get ready for bed. I know from research and experience to train your body to associate the bedroom for only bedroom activities: I have never had my computer in my room, no TV, and the only radio comes on as an alarm. Everything else is in the living room or office. If I have my insomnia, I leave my bedroom for a bit and get myself in that "barely keep my eyes open" mode, and head back, and usually can drift asleep. BUT, the adrenaline rush from not being able to breath takes a long time to calm down from!
So, the jury's still out on this CPAP stuff. I'm trying a lot of the ideas I found from different organizations that offer support and research on sleep apnea, but I'm exhausted. A new kind of exhausted, where even my brain doesn't feel refreshed.
Anyone have suggestions? Because, really, I'm starting to envy Rip Van Winkle right now... something even 2 weeks ago I thought I'd never say. Oh well, life's an adventure right?
If you've read any of the blog before, you know that I've been suffering from who-knows-what for basically a year and a half, without any relief. The worst side effect has been the total exhaustion - sleeping well for 10-12 hours a night, but never feeling refreshed. Add on brain fog, and a lot of other symptoms, and that's been my life since 2011. Once in a while, though, I will have bouts of insomnia.
The doctor who is currently "treating" me did not seem overly concerned about it. He figured that it was just my body trying to reset itself. And, really, the insomnia wouldn't be too bad - getting 1-3 hours of sleep that night, have an off day, and back to my new "normal" the next night. Until Sunday night: drove home from family supper and was exhausted, and tried to go to sleep.
But I didn't. I was up from 7am Sunday until 11:30pm Monday: 40 hours. Needless to say, I didn't go into work that day - I made my sub plans at 4am. The only thing I did do (other than try to make myself so relaxed I would sleep) is pick up my sleep apnea mask.
I have NOT been diagnosed with sleep apnea. My specialist believed instantly I had a sleep disorder... even though I exhibit many symptoms that do not fit into the traditional scope. In June, I had to undergo a sleep study. I took a small machine home, tied myself down with a bazillion tubes, and "slept" for a night. The results letter I got from the clinic specifically stated I did not have the events during the night to indicate any sleeping disorder. But, my doctor is at a loss, so he still prescribed a CPAP equipment.
Following my own research, and other medical advice, I put off using the equipment. Thankfully, in SK, you don't have to pay for the actual machine, but you do have to pay for the mask, tubing and humidifier. Well, during that insomnia episode I was so stressed I went and bought it - over $500 (thank you benefits that will cover a portion). The specialist who fitted me explained everything really well, and I felt confident that I would get a decent night's sleep soon. Part of me was hoping that my specialist's "diagnosis" was right, and that I would magically feel my true normal again for the first time in almost 17 months.
Outcome: I have slept at most 3 hours a night since. The machine doesn't make a lot of noise, thank goodness. But I cannot fall asleep with the mask on. And the slight pressure of the air being forced up my nose PLUS having to have my mouth clamped shut is scary. I'm waking up because my lips part slightly and the pressure from the nose air is going straight out my lips (think like a water hose - it comes in my nose and straight out my mouth. I cannot breath in... so panic ensues). OR my jaw hurts from clamping shut, which means I'm not relaxing enough to fall into a deep sleep. Not to mention the thing strapped on my nose takes getting used to - new sleep positions, readjusting pillows, etc.
So I've started doing more research on CPAP, and many the support organizations say it could take UP TO A YEAR to get decent sleep with this! Really? A year!? And the few hours a night I'm wearing the mask, I don't feel relief. I get those bits of sheer panic.
I had a sleep routine down: work/TV/mark/etc. until I was sleepy, and then get ready for bed. I know from research and experience to train your body to associate the bedroom for only bedroom activities: I have never had my computer in my room, no TV, and the only radio comes on as an alarm. Everything else is in the living room or office. If I have my insomnia, I leave my bedroom for a bit and get myself in that "barely keep my eyes open" mode, and head back, and usually can drift asleep. BUT, the adrenaline rush from not being able to breath takes a long time to calm down from!
So, the jury's still out on this CPAP stuff. I'm trying a lot of the ideas I found from different organizations that offer support and research on sleep apnea, but I'm exhausted. A new kind of exhausted, where even my brain doesn't feel refreshed.
Anyone have suggestions? Because, really, I'm starting to envy Rip Van Winkle right now... something even 2 weeks ago I thought I'd never say. Oh well, life's an adventure right?
I was diagnosed in May 2013 with severe Sleep Apnea. I stop breathing on average 46 times an hour. However, my insurance won't cover the $2,600 machine unless I have a Level 1 test & I've only had Level 3.
ReplyDeleteI was originally tested, because I've been having similar issues. I sleep a minimum of 24 hours at a time up to 32-56, at my worst. It all depends on what I've done while awake & how long I've been awake. Of course, if I've been awake for a full 24 hours, that also makes me want to sleep the full time as well. But if I don't stay up the 24 hours, I'm not tired and I can't sleep... It's this stupid vicious cycle, where sleep or lack there of rules my life!!!
I have a foggy brain, too, but I've always chalked it up to Fibromyalgia until I learned about the SA. Both of my parents have SA.
So, I'm hoping the wait list moves along a little faster, a little faster. Your description of trying to breath with it sounds scary though. Scarier than I thought... Ack!!!
Anyway, if you want to talk further, I'd rather do it via email. You have mine, right? It's connected to this log-in, so maybe that will help?
I hope you've found answers. I only came across this post by accident. I'm cleaning up some things on my blog. :)
I didn't see this until this morning... sorry!
DeleteMy machine was covered by SK health. Not the mask or the hose (which was expensive enough).
I hope you get the answers - your sleeping pattern does not sound fun or good!
To be honest, I did sort of get used to it - I could sleep 8hours a night. However, because of all my sinus issues, I gave up. I haven't used it in months. No answers though - I'm changing gears in the next few weeks.
I don't know if I do have your email - I'll check if this works (or I'll FB you!)
Take care :)