[Health] New to Sleep Apnea - Afraid to sleep

[Southpaw]

Good Morning,

I went to sleep around 2:30am and woke up this morning around 4:20am with an elevated heart rate (PRbpm 115-120) and also a shaking feeling. Now I'm afraid to go back to sleep.
I'm new to this Sleep Apnea stuff, I've only been experiencing symptoms over the last three weeks (more naps, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, waking up too early). Maybe I've had Sleep Apnea for a while and just now noticing because of the symptoms. I'm supposed to talk to a specialist today about it.   

I was wondering if anyone has advice? Would sleeping upright help (like sleeping in a chair instead of laying down)? Or, what about using a basic humidifier? I have been waking up with a stuffy nose lately. Should I take an Aspirin? I don't know if it could make the issue worse.

I will also contact my Primary Care Doctor for advice.

Thanks in advance

[OpalRose]

I had a 4 month wait between diagnosis and actually receiving a Pap machine, and
experienced the same as you. I hung out in a recliner most nights, but didn't get much sleep. If you do use a recliner, use a small cushion or pillow under your neck (like a travel neck pillow) to prevent your head from falling forward.

If you're going to lay in bed, sleep on your side, slightly elevated if able.

A humidifier may help. Also, you can try Breathe Right Nasal Strips.

Good luck and let us know what your doctor advises.

[clownbell]

When you check in with your primary doc, I suggest getting a thorough exam and blood work to see if anything else is going on.

[FrankFuss]

Be sure to seek treatment for any serious anxiety you are having.  I have a little PTSD about breathing difficulties, and with my first experience with sleep apnea and a CPAP machine, I ended up spending a week in the psych unit in a hospital.  With good medical support, therapy, and time getting use to CPAP therapy, I am now sleeping very well using a PAP machine.  Be well.

[Southpaw]

I had blood work done a couple weeks ago. My sodium was low at 134mmol / L. Normal range is 136 - 145. And my glucose was 71mg / dL. Standard range is 70 - 139. 

While my glucose is in standard range, it's lower than I expected, I had been eating a lot of ice cream in the previous weeks.

Red blood count is a little high at 6.58 10*6 / uL. Standard range is 3.90 - 5-80 10*6 / uL

[Peach25]

If there’s been a recent change in medications (if any) sometimes they can contribute to changes in blood chemistry/counts, and/or symptoms. However this is best checked with your doctor. Nasal congestion sounds challenging..I’ve used a little drop or two on a tissue of either eucalyptus or peppermint oil to gently inhale a few times before going to sleep, combined with a Breathe Right strip, before I had my equipment. I’d keep that tissue near the bed if I woke up congested.