07-13-2015, 04:31 PM
RE: Sleep medication reduction
(07-13-2015, 01:54 PM)novatom Wrote: I was one of those optimistic insomniacs who hoped that using CPAP would solve my insomnia problems, but unfortunately it didn't. I did notice some change in my sleeping patterns early on but eventually my insomnia returned. That said, I am sticking with the CPAP because I was able to get used to it fairly quickly and feel that the benefits still outweigh the negatives. My experiences of the past 6 months have led me to believe--at least in my case--there is no relationship between my moderate SA and insomnia. For others it may be different, but for me, I don't think there's any connection.
I used to be on Ambien but switched to Temazapam (30 mg) a couple years ago and it works much better for me. I use it sparingly, on average 1-2 times a week. I also have a short term sleeping pill (10 mg Sonata) that I take if I'm awake at 2 in the morning and can't sleep. A month ago I was having a particularly bad spell of insomnia and found myself using it 4-5 times a week but things have improved since then. Without it, I average 4-5 hours of sleep per night. With the Temazapam, I can get in 6-7 hours.
CPAP has not affected how often I use them though.
Thanks for the response. This is where my curiosity lies. I have used Zopiclone and Trazadone for a LONG time, and when I first heard a month ago I have moderate OSA, I was like...OK! Maybe I can come off these meds if I start sleeping better! But then I was thinking...are they even related?
I wake up feeling so drugged and tired every day, headaches...that I don't know what a good sleep is like anymore and that is WITH sleep aids.
I start my trial month on the machine tomorrow night, so will be interesting to see how I manage. My GP did mention that if my sleep improves there could be a possibility of titrating down off the sleep meds.
Thanks again for your input!