New to Board and Desperate!

[Schnauzers 5]

The only other issue I have is GERD from a hiatel hernia. That and a lousy job that I hate going to every morning.

There've been a number of studies done that show links between GERD and OSA - as both a contributing factor and a symptom. I used to suffer from GERD pretty frequently... a few times a year. Haven't since I started CPAP 2 years ago... YMMV.

For a simple Gerd solution: try eating about half of an apple before bed. Red delicious helps. Any apple works Or. 1/4 cup aloe vera juice, and even a tsp of honey alone or in a cup of hot water with real apple cider vinegar. Gerd can wake you and be silent and you don't realize why you woke up. I also take one 5 HTP 100mg to help me go to sleep. If you have insurance, I'd see another doc and have a new study.

[PaulaO2]

Try raising the head of the bed by about 2".

[BabyDoc]

Although this website focuses on apnea, you really have to look at the overall picture. If your AHI is less than 5, I wouldn't necessarily be running to get another titration study done. You say you can't sleep, or not long enough. You say you can't fall asleep after awakening. You say that you hate your job. You say that life sucks.

In addition to everything else that has been discussed already here, have you been checked out for depression? OSA can lead to depression and depression can lead to more sleep issues. Sometimes, antidepressents can be helpful in breaking this cycle when CPAP alone isn't doing it.

[mjbearit]

but the medical supply salesman stated that there was no way a person's mouth could come open, in that the air pressure to your nose would somehow hold your mouth shut!

Okay, you do realize that this sales guy is an idiot, right?

Secondly, even though it can be a very difficult thing to do, you might want to heed BabyDoc's advice and look into getting evaluated for depression. I know there are stigmas still attached to any sort of mental help being required and I think that us guys are probably the worst about admitting it and seeking out help, but honestly, sometimes we all just need a little help. You wouldn't hesitate to ask for help picking up the sofa... You will find that a lot of people around here have various other health issues besides just OSA and I'm positive I am not the only one who has struggled with depression. It seems that the more health issues someone has, the easier it is to slip into depression, at least that is my take on it. Good luck!

[SuperSleeper]

Not a complete solution, but I would also encourage you to get outside and enjoy the sunshine and have some relaxing recreational time in nature.

The "time off" diversionary period will help you immensely and the sunshine will help your Vitamin D levels, which should help somewhat with any tendency towards depression.

[twindad]

Although this website focuses on apnea, you really have to look at the overall picture. If your AHI is less than 5, I wouldn't necessarily be running to get another titration study done. You say you can't sleep, or not long enough. You say you can't fall asleep after awakening. You say that you hate your job. You say that life sucks.

In addition to everything else that has been discussed already here, have you been checked out for depression? OSA can lead to depression and depression can lead to more sleep issues. Sometimes, antidepressents can be helpful in breaking this cycle when CPAP alone isn't doing it.

If you do seek treatment for depression thru medication, be aware how certain antidepressants can affect sleep, especially REM sleep. Welbutrin (bupropion) works fairly well for me with no ill side effects, but I once switched to Celexa when I thought the Welbutrin wasn't working. The Celexa wiped out my REM sleep and left me so tired during the day I almost felt I could die from exhaustion. A switch back to Welbutrin and I could get enough rest to function again.

[PaulaO2]

Unfortunately, for many people their anti-depressants need to be changed every 2-4 yrs. The brain thinks depression is normal and will fight the medication until it can figure out a way around it. Eventually, the medication will no longer work. So by switching between 2 or 3 anti-depressants, the brain never has a chance to beat the medication.

Currently I am on Wellbutrin but it has been 3 yrs. It's past time to switch to another or add one. Wellbutrin works well by itself but it is also great at augmenting the benefits of other medications. Now I'm wondering just which one to switch to! I've never considered my sleep apnea would be effected by these medications but it makes sense.