Saturday, September 07, 2024

I need a sleep test

Now that I've had my Fitbit watch for a while, I'm pretty sure the reason I can't sleep is that I have sleep apnea.  A good night for me is six hours, but I don't usually sleep even that long.  I always wake up at least four times each night, sometimes more; this morning when I checked the Fitbit, I had only slept four hours and ten minutes.  And yes, I snore, which is another indication I may have sleep apnea.  Other than the last symptom on the list below, I have all these problems; well, except of course I don't know if I stop breathing in my sleep, so there's that.  More often than not, when we're watching TV Cliff has to wake me up at least once if I want to know what's happening on West Wing, my very favorite show.  Also during the Chiefs games, my other favorite show. 

  • Snoring too much
  • Periods when you stop breathing during sleep (sleep apnea)
  • Daytime sleepiness
  • You can't sleep (insomnia)
  • You are very sleepy during the day and fall asleep without warning (narcolepsy)
  • Conditions that cause leg discomfort. These are called limb movement disorders. They include periodic limb movements during sleep (restless legs syndrome).

I suppose I'll have to see my regular doctor first.  If I could just sleep without all the interruptions it would help.   

Oh, and according to what I've read today on the Internet, there's a sleep study I could do at home now.

I've had other folks tell me how good they slept after they got their Cpap machine; I'd like to know what it feels like to wake up and actually want to do things without having to force myself.

Wish me luck.

3 comments:

  1. Yep, ask your primary for a referral to the lung docs / pulmonologists. Some specialize in Sleep Study medicine. When I went to the overnight "pretend you're at home" sleep study in the lab, I sore I'd never slept. The test and techs said I did, but I stopped breathing on average of one-fourth of the time! Not breathing is not good for any body part: brain, heart, lungs, nerves. I feel better with my CPAP on. They're quiet and the techs help you get the right fit. Good Luck! Linda in Kansas

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  2. My sister is dealing with this right now. Good luck. They've come a long way in treatment.

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  3. Cpap machines help many people and it's worth a try. Lack of decent sleep can affect so many things in day to day life.

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