Sleep Apnea Treatment

Question by ablekominsky: My sleep habits are the worst. How do I change my life around?
Actually, I know the standard answers. Get a good routine going, go to bed at same hour and up at same hour every day, good diet, exercise, relaxation, blah blah blah. The trouble is I am now 73 and this has gone on for 11 years since my wife died. I live alone and have none of the good habits because I am always in the same rut and unable to change or, if I do change, it is for about two or three days and then I stay up to 3 AM and sleep to noon. Today, I am so mad. I stayed up ALL night and now it is sunny and 9:30 AM. I am not sleepy after being up for 22 hours, but know I need some sleep. I am afraid this is another lost day. I’ve been to the “sleep specialists” taken numerous sleep tests, got machine for sleep apnea, meds for sleeping and anxiety and depression. So why am I still up all night? Worst of all I don’t do anything productive in those night hours when I am awake. My best working times are, like most people, during the day.

Best answer:

Answer by selfirst
I am sorry to hear about your wife. It is kind of hard to answer your question because you have been to all the specialist and they have giving you everything from medicine to some form of treatment and it hasn’t helped.

I suffer with insomnia at times my doctor has giving me sleeping pills but I don’t take them to strong. What I found to help me on those really stressful sleepless days is: tea, getting a book to read, and prayer.

Also you might want to try a natural sleep aid (Melatonin) here are some facts about it, you can find it at your local vitamin or nutrition store.

Melatonin is a popular remedy to help people fall asleep when the sleep/wake cycle has been disturbed, such as in shift workers or people who with jet lag.

Melatonin is a hormone found naturally in the body. The pineal gland in the brain makes serotonin which is then converted into melatonin at night when exposure to light decreases.

Melatonin is typically taken about 30 minutes before the desired bedtime. Some experts caution that melatonin should not be used by people with depression, schizophrenia, autoimmune diseases, and other serious illness. Pregnant and nursing women should not use melatonin.

I hope things get better, I will be praying for you!

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Question by fuzzy: Sleeping problems for life?
ok when i was younger i suffered from sleep apnea then i had my tonsils removed and eventhough i still have problems breathing at night it helped alot.

then a while ago i had insomnia and i didn’ sleep for about 6 days straight then i slept for about 5-6 hours then was up for another 4 days and after the fouth day i went to the doctor and got treatment for it.

now im having nightmares that are gorey and death related and night terrors all the time. and on the days i don’t deal with that i have sleep paralysis (old hag syndrome).

i have no idea why i have all these problems at such a young age and it so horrible that i’m scared to go to sleep i would just like any advice or if anyone has the same thing tell me what you do or if you know what i have tell me.

p.s im 15 and diabetic suffering from depression but dealing with it without medication.
ok i’m on meds for the depression but this has been going on way before i started taking it.

Best answer:

Answer by ~ Pussycat Doll In Training ~
Your serotonin is all out of whack… I have depression and sometimes insomnia goes along with it. You need to get on some medication to take care of all of your problems before they effect your physical health. See a board certified psychiatrist to get on the proper medication and treatment.

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Question by phildirt84: Fatigue is ruining my life. Are you aware of any facilities, experimental treatments, or clinical studies?
It’s been three years. My CPAP machine (sleep apnea) does not seem to be helping. I have no personal or social life due to having lost interest in everything. My work life is to the point where I cannot function fully and will likely lose my job without improvement in my health.
My family doctor, endocrinologist, neurologist, and a psychiatrist have not found any answers.
Are you aware of any facilities who can take as much time as needed to check everything (head to toe). I am willing to be part of any experimental treatments or clinical studies.
I need help. This is no way for anyone to live. I have no problem knowing that I have a medical situation… but not knowing what the situation is and what can be done about it feels like a form of torture.
Any info you can share would be appreciated.
I am in northeast Ohio.

Best answer:

Answer by formerly_bob
This sounds like a very frustrating situation. I don’t have any great insight, but have you considered that the fatigue may be caused at least partly by depression? Antidepressants like Wellbutrin can really make a big difference in people that have no energy due to depression.

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Question by Mega Busted!: Chronic sinusitis my whole life? Sleep apnea?
I have had chronic Sinusitis since I can remember, and it’s driving me nuts! Now I’ve been diagnosed with severe sleep apnea and I’m having a lot of trouble breathing through the mask. I’ve used nasal sprays and neti pots with no avail. When I asked the doctor, he said that my nasal congestion wasn’t a factor in sleep apnea(which I’m not sure I believe).I’m also very thin so that’s out of the question. But either way, I would like to clear it up so I can actually breath through the mask because they have been encouraging me to continue using the nose one as it’s natural to breath through your nose. Anyone have any advice? similar stories?

Best answer:

Answer by SethSpeaks
The sinusitis is related to the sleep apnea. I use CPAP as well so I know the problem. The thing is that the apnea causes your sinus’ to be irritated, which causes them to close up, which causes more issue with the apnea. Vicious circle. Mine eventually cleared up. I started using saline nasal spray every night before bed. Really cleaning out my sinus the best I could. Then I take a cotton swab and dip it in castor oil and swab out inside my nose to lubricate it some. Make sure you have the humidifier attachment on your CPAP as well.

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Question by ABC123: If I have sleep apnea and get a CPAP… will my life improve
I am pretty sure I have apnea. I snore, and wake up gasping for air. I’m never fully rested… depressed.. have gained weight.. can’t concentrate.. and have anger issues. If I get a CPAP and it works.. will I be able to live my life enjoyably again? I can’t even imagine how it would feel to be rested.. not depressed..

Best answer:

Answer by sweetpgrl8
Go to your doctor and request a sleep study..if you need a CPAP machine you will not wake up during your sleep. You will get a good nights rest and be restful in the morning.

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