Why do I always wake 2-4hrs after going to sleep? Here is one example:
I'm about 7 weeks into PAP treatment (Resmed AS11 Auto 8-18) for diagnosed mild OSA. My sleep is very poor and has progressively worsened over the past 10+ years. Generally, no problem getting to sleep, but I always wake after 2-4hrs. I now have some PAP OSCAR data.
Still trying to get used to the PAP so lots of issues (comfort, leakage, congestion, dry month) that I think will abate. But I am starting to see some general trends in the few minutes before I first wake where I seem to have a bunch of breathing issues. What is going on with me? Is this a normal OSA pattern? Why are most of the events (in the short period prior to waking) interpreted as CA or UA and should I trust the machine's interpretation?
Interestingly, I went back and looked at my sleep study (Diagnostic Overnight Polysomnography), and I see a somewhat similar pre-waking event pattern. It is this sleep/wake pattern along with my consistent short and non-restorative nightly sleep, that has driven me to seek help.
I have not taken to using the PAP very well. I find it uncomfortable, and it seems to cause massive congestion and often dry mouth. But, I have used it EVERY SINGLE night since I got it. But, once I first wake, I generally do not try using it again. Often, I'm so congested it would not even work as I need to mouth breathe. Sometimes, headache. Sometimes, just wide awake, etc. I do think my toleration of it is very slowly getting better, and I have on occasion been able to put it back on.
I am starting to wonder if the PAP will ever help with my sleep. I do have some hope for it providing diagnostic information that will help determine what my underlying sleep problem is. Very hard to know where to turn to get help. I do think I have a smart and motivated sleep doctor, but as many have mentioned, they do not seem to have the time (or desire) to look at the details.
In my previous discussions with the dr, he said, "you will not die from mild sleep apnea." This really hit home with me because he did not understand the severity of my problem. With my sleep trend, I will not be able to "stay in the chat" unless something changes. Some relief really needs to be found. I'm motivated to figure this out. I am thankful that resources such as apneaboard exist.
At 61 years old, I believe myself to be in excellent shape. I exercise every day and still do 10-mile walks and 100-mile bike rides. At 6' tall, my weight was a reasonable 180#, but knowing extra weight is an OSA risk factor, I'm working to get it back to my college weight of 160#. After ~4 months I'm down to about 173#.
I try to have excellent sleep hygiene. Common bedtime, bed routine, cool dark room, caffeine mostly in the morning, very limited alcohol, no interruptions, etc.
My general sleep pattern is 2-4 hours of sleep, followed by waking (not needing to pee), followed by an additional 2-4 hours of alternating between trying to sleep and tossing-turning. So, I have decided to focus on this first sleep period, because the following hours are a mess. Is that reasonable?
At this point, I have started to see the pattern described above in my OSCAR data were lots of breathing events just prior to my early waking. So I'm wondering, what is going on with me? Is this a normal OSA pattern? Why are most of the events (in the short period prior to waking) interpreted as CA or UA and should I trust the machine's interpretation?
Any help appreciated. Eric