Welcome again to everybody. Make yourselves at home. In the time-honoured tradition of our group, here is the weekly discussion thread.
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I received the results of the sleep study I did and…🥁… I have sleep apnea.
This is a huge surprise for me. I barely snore and I never wake up gasping for air, at least not enough that I’m consciously aware of it.
The doctor from the sleep lab is going to refer me to trial a cpap machine. If that goes well, I’ll have to pick one up and stay another night at the lab so that they can calibrate it to my breathing.
They’re also referring me to a sleep therapist to help me with falling asleep. They were kind of light on the details, but if there’s a chance it could work, I’m happy to try it.
“a CPAP machine”
Honestly, dawg, take this seriously because the hardest part is going to sleep the first few times to it and acclimating to it
I uhhh
never managed to sleep with mine
Ever
Couldn’t do it for some reason
I wish I had something to help knock me out so I could fall asleep
Honestly, I probably would have needed anasthesia to have made me sleep with that thing on
Also:
Do not just “settle” when it comes to a CPAP machine.
Find the right mask (especially the right mask size so it doesn’t fall off because mine certainly kept falling off despite the Velcro)
Honestly, maybe even get accessories to help make it manageable (I got a cover for my mask when I used one which did somewhat help keep the mask and its implements together, even if I couldn’t fall asleep with a CPAP machine in the end)
If you have facial hair, probably best to shave more often so you’re not always itching (I literally use a rare seven-blade just to get it done quickly lol)
Oh
Consider whether you’re a side sleeper or stomach sleep or even some weird combination (I call them diagonal sleepers lol)
For example, I can’t fucking breathe when I am laying on my back. Holy shit, it hurts, even.
Frankly, even a good mattress might be useful here, not a cheap one (Purple Mattress, generally a hybrid one, might work for you as it does most people, but again, consider your sleep position)
Also also:
“They’re also referring me to a sleep therapist to help me with falling asleep. They were kind of light on the details, but if there’s a chance it could work, I’m happy to try it.”
Honestly, I should have one by now, that may have made the difference.
It takes 3, maybe 4 hours, for me to go to sleep (so I end up retiring early during the day)
It’s a hassle but at least I am mostly sleeping now (I am so glad I am weaning off caffeine now, holy shit). Oh, and sleeping the full eight hours generally. Before, I sometimes didn’t sleep at all. Ignoring the advice to “just have caffeine no later than 12:00 PM or 2:00 PM” was honestly what I needed (I have been having caffeine very early in the morning, generally around 6:00 AM or even 5:00 AM and it fucking fixes a lot)
Frankly, I may go down to zero or just eventually have one cup of tea and no more during the morning.
Also also also
Blackout curtains. Get 'em. They are a godsend.
Also also also also
Acoustic paneling. Even better in the long run than the blackout curtains.
Ummm…
That’s it tbh
I am Autistic and that’s why I initially did a sleep study
The, erm, sleep specialist did not fill me with confidence lol
I will double-check in Spain.
Thank you for the thoughtful reply! I know nothing about CPAP machines and recognizing that there are different mask sizes and accessories will certainly be helpful. I’m a bit worried that it will make it difficult for me to fall asleep, like you mentioned was your own experience, but I’ll find out soon enough.
I grew up a belly sleeper, but I’ve fortunately adjusted to more of a side sleeper with age. I can breathe fine on my back, but I just don’t find it comfortable enough to fall asleep that way.
I’ll try to keep posting updates as this whole saga develops.
Honestly?
If I indeed didn’t have sleep apnea (which I don’t entirely know but seems to be likely) then that may explain it.
Easier to go to sleep the first few times when you have been tired all along and still have to somewhat deal with the “hangover phase” or sleep deficit afterwards.
But
I also know that I literally can’t breathe sleeping on my back.
Also, I am Autistic and we are more likely to have sleep apnea statistically.
Honestly, I have breathing problems in general.
Loss of breath
I heave too sometimes
Don’t know what exactly is ailing me but I think I am one of those people that have nostril problems regarding congestion and blockage.
My lungs hurt more too.
I have been taking these nasal strips recently and notice an acute difference since they help widen the nostril areas.
I guess it can be hard to recognize on your own?
At any rate, hope the treatment helps you!
Thank you!
Yeah, the “snoring means you have sleep apnea” thing is overrated.
Frankly, I may do (another) sleep study when I get to Spain.
I think the results I got from my last one were faulty.
Also… I slept only two hours (not even) during the actual study bwahahahahahaha