1. Community
  2. Symptoms
  3. Sleep Problems

Been on CPAP regularly for a year but still get afternoon drowsiness.

Posted , 3 users are following.

akashbarua20621
akashbarua20621

I have been on treatment for OSD for little over an year now. I use Philips Resprionics APAP machine and Resmed nasal pillow. My AHI during sleep study was 30. After using CPAP it has come down to 5-7 level. My 90% pressure is around 11. I think I sleep better but still feel drowsy in the afternoons. I also tend feel depressed soon and more so later in the day. I visit a gym to improve my mood. Still not able to get over my afternoon sleepiness and second half blues. Any suggestions?

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • gypsarella
    gypsarella akashbarua20621

    Posted

    Did you have an actual Sleep Study done after you recieved CPAP?  That would tell you your oxygen saturation during sleep.  Even with my CPAP I was found to be very low on oxygen.  Your Pulmonologist's office will be able to lend you a small machine that has a finger clip to measure oxygen intake while you sleep.  Mine was found to be very low and I had to have an oxygenator plugged into the CPAP to funnel oxygen into me during the night.  After the first night I felt reborn!  I did not remember feeling that good and having that much energy all day.  Good luck!

     

    • akashbarua20621
      akashbarua20621 gypsarella

      Posted

      No I haven't got a sleep study done after being on CPAP. I think that would be a good idea. My oxygen saturation level was over 90% when I first had my sleep study done. Maybe the carbs I am having for lunch maybe making me sleepy. I feel that the fact that I don't sleep deeply may be causing my afternoon drowsiness. will try a change of diet during lunch. Thanks for the suggestion.

      k

    • gypsarella
      gypsarella akashbarua20621

      Posted

      I had my second sleep study at Mayo Clinic 6 years after the first one.  In both cases they recorded me before and after the CPAP was worn.  But the first one (a different independant dr. owned sleep lab)never mentioned lower O2 saturation.  It was only months after that when I was continuing in pain during the day that they sent me home with the machine.  Don't let them talk you into a whole overnight sleep study at their place.  Just ask for an overnight with the machine that measures oxygen desaturation overnight with a finger clip.  As far as lunch choices, I would not think two slices of bread for a sandwich would make you drowsy.  Mounds of potatoes, pasta, or rice would.  Also, if you have a lot of sugar you will feel energized at first but then "crash" in about an hour.
    • akashbarua20621
      akashbarua20621 gypsarella

      Posted

      Thank you for the guidance. Will get my oxygen saturation checked. I was just wondering if I don't use the CPAP machine will I go back to my previous AHI level. They say once on CPAP, always on CPAP. sounds a bit depressing.
    • gypsarella
      gypsarella akashbarua20621

      Posted

      I am a nurse, not a doctor, but from what I've read or heard, if you are heavy and lose weight, the pressure on your diaphram will be less and some no longer need CPAP.  Also, losing weight lessens the fatty tissue in your throat and any overhanging loose skin would get more taut, so that can help.  There is a surgery to remove loose skin that is painful, but effective for a lot of people.  That is for ,obstructive sleep apnea.  I also have central sleep apnea, and that has to do with wrong signals from the brain.  I've been to a neurologist and they can find nothing wrong with my brain.  So I'll always have it.  A sleep study differentiates the percentage of which kind you have.  Most have obstructive.  I know that even now, 8 years after I began using a CPAP, if I doze off watching TV and I'm not wearing it, I will wake up with a bad headache.  As soon as I take a few long, deep breaths, it starts to go away.  
  • Dreaming
    Dreaming akashbarua20621

    Posted

    Could it be your diet or what you eat for lunch. Bread and carbs always make me sleepy in the afternoon
Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.