[Health] Sleep Quality

[DaveL]

@srlevine1 ....

RE: THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD SLEEP
@DaveL

Your question about the possibility of achieving quality sleep with OSA appears to be unanswerable as I can find no universally agreed definition of sleep quality or how it can be measured without degrading the sleep experience with wired sensors for an EEG, EKG, and blood gasses. Most scaled sleep quality measures appear to be self-reported, multi-factor rating scales.

Here is an interesting journal entry from December 2021...

REM Sleep: An Unknown Indicator of Sleep Quality

ABSTRACT

Standard polysomnographic analysis of sleep has not provided evidence of an objective measure of sleep quality; however, factors such as sleep duration and sleep efficiency are those more consistently associated with the subjective perception of sleep quality. Sleep reduction as currently occurs in our 24/7 society has had a profound impact on sleep quality; the habitual sleep period should fit within what is a limited nighttime window and may not be sufficient to satisfy the whole sleep process; moreover, the use of artificial light during the evening and early night hours can delay and disturb the circadian rhythms, especially affecting REM sleep. The correct phase relationship of the sleep period with the circadian pacemaker is an important factor to guarantee adequate restorative sleep duration and sleep continuity, thus providing the necessary background for a good night’s sleep. Due to the fact that REM sleep is controlled by the circadian clock, it can provide a window-like mechanism that defines the termination of the sleep period when there is still the necessity to complete the sleep process (not only wake-related homeostasis) and to meet the circadian end of sleep timing. An adequate amount of REM sleep appears necessary to guarantee sleep continuity, while periodically activating the brain and preparing it for the return to consciousness.

I believe that what we have here on the forum is wonderful.

I believe that many contribute to better sleep quality.  First question should be, "Do I feel better after sleeping using my OSA equipment?"
We have so many members with so much experience and knowledge.

[DaveL]

However, sleep doctors I have had have not considered sleep quality when supplying equipment. Their performance monitor has been 4 hours of use per night, and AHI less than 5.

I hope that we can collect ideas that will improve sleep quality based upon the experience of people here.

A member recommended using a device to support my hose so it doesn't tug my mask when I roll.

Another member recommended using a hose cover to help prevent rainout (water condensation when my room is cold)

I've tried a ResMed N30i mask modifying it with a dreamwear strap. It stabilized the N30i so much better. It didn't slip off my bald spot as it used to.

I've got 2 Knightsbridge Dual Band caps that were recommended here.

Finally -- the biggest change -- I replaced my S9E with a ResMed S10 Autosens "for her" with help from people here. that's the keystone in my treatment improvements now.

it was the participants in the forum that convinced me to get a machine with an SD card I could read, and use OSCAR.

[DaveL]

I've had a bunch of smart watches.

Best use: making sure I sleep long enough. 3 Garmin with heart rate monitors. 2 Fitbits. Now an iWatch. I believe the O two sensor has helped me a lot. No it'snot medical grade. And the ECG feature is helping me too.

My second sleep doc--the sleep doc from h*ll--had convinced me that if I wasn't compliant I would die.

[DaveL]

I hope this post helps others.

Please feel free to add your own suggestions

Thanks

[DaveL]

Reminder of the old days. My sleep doc figured I was compliant if I wore my mask for 4 hours, and AHI was < or = to 5.0

Two nights ago I wore a different mask N30i with the Respironics strap added. Taped (though I took it off sometime in the night) Curvical collar. AHI=5.5 (I cut the tip of my nose, and throught this was a better mask) ResMED's "MyAir" said 100%!

Last night I wore my N20 mask. No tape. Same curvical collar. AHI= 0.1 ResMed's "MyAir" said 97%

How did I feel before I checked? About the same. Crappy.

Same machine.
Same pressures/settings.

Life is quite the experiment.

Thank heaven for OSCAR and the people here who help us use it!

[Rubicon]

Standard polysomnographic analysis of sleep has not provided evidence of an objective measure of sleep quality

Well now I'm baffled because support of every one of his points uses "standard polysomnographic analysis", yet he neglects many of the PSG parameters used to analyze sleep quality.

BTW "blood gases" are absolutely not part of sleep monitoring.

[DaveL]

@Rubicon---wonderful vehicle.  Just lost our '19 JLU.  It was leased. Miss it a lot.

I can't answer your question. I'm grateful for the post.

My own experience---over 35 years is that medical treatment of OSA in Ontario Canada sucks and has disturbed my sleep for all of 35 years of treatment.

That's why the people on this forum are so important.  I hope more participate in this is post.  So they help everyone here.

DaveL

[Rubicon]

My own experience---over 35 years is that medical treatment of OSA in Ontario Canada sucks and has disturbed my sleep for all of 35 years of treatment.

Tell me about it!  My brother is a Canadian (long story) and had to pay out of pocket for a major surgery lest he be on the waiting list for months!!

[DaveL]

Tell me about it!  My brother is a Canadian (long story) and had to pay out of pocket for a major surgery lest he be on the waiting list for months!!

Our medical system is in crisis mode.  Way back I needed an MRI.  It took 2 months to get a referral to a specialist. It took 2 more months to get an MRI.  I live just outside Toronto.  I don't live in the hicks. I'm sorry for your brother's luck. I'd talk more. But it wouldn't solve anything.  A caution...medical treatment varies from Province to Province.  My sister passed from Cancer.   She travelled to make sure she got best investigation and treatment. Saying in case it helps your brother....PM if you wish.

[Rubicon]

Thanks, but already had the surgery and went well. Went to a different province. I think it was Alberta. Or Albania.