Sleep disorders

[bonijokrauss]

I am wondering if you have any input about something that has happened to me a few times in life. The first time was about 30 years ago, but I remember these episodes because they are scary. Admittedly, when they happen, I am stressed, and haven't been sleeping very well, and I also have sleep apnea. What happens is, I feel asleep at the drop of a hat. I don't recall feeling tired, or like I need to go to bed. I just wake up, sitting in my chair, or whatever. It has only happened when I am relaxed. I do have driving fatigue, but I have never had this happen while driving. It has happened may 3 or 4 times that I am aware of. Thank you.

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

Should use a CPAP, to help with Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea is by CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) where air under gentle pressure is passed into the airways keeping it patent. In the meantime you could avoid taking alcohol and try to sleep on your side as this keeps the airways patent. If any nasal blocks try to keep them patent with OTC nasal decongestants. Aim for optimum weight with exercises or long walks and walk your way to sleeping well!!

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.

[bonijokrauss]

Thank you for your responses. I do have sleep apnea and I thought I had posted that earlier. I don't have a CPAP machine at this time because the sleep clinic I went to, gave me a machine that didn't work properly. I tried to tell them it didn't and all they did was argue with me, so I gave it back, after they billed my insurance over $1000. I do, sometimes, feel tired during the day, and I do have trouble with fatigue. Have had that for years too. Been very stressed out lately, with work, and payments due, and I know that can make things worse. Its just rather unnerving to wake up and realize that you don't even remember feeling sleepy, or closing your eyes. Weird

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

You should have yourself revaluated for the sleep apnea, as this could be causing inadequate sleep at night and daytime sleepiness. Also, ensure to use CPAP regularly to fight the symptoms of sleep apnea.  A sleep study called polysomnography may be needed for further evaluation. Consult your doctor for the same.

In the meantime you could avoid taking alcohol and try to sleep on your side as this keeps the airways patent. If any nasal blocks try to keep them patent with OTC nasal decongestants. Aim for optimum weight with exercises or long walks.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.

[luciddreamrgrl]

It could be narcolepsy but if that's the case then it would be happening more often. You should go for a sleep study and have them check for narcolepsy. Do you feel excessively tired during the day all the time?