Fed up and worn out

[Michelle12345]

I was diagnosed with sleep apnea last Feb and have tried 4 different masks now but my problem is that I can go to sleep with a mask on but once I need a toilet visit I just can't get back to sleep with it on,in the first 3 months I was up to 5 hours sleep a night and it really improved my sleeping but now I feel like giving up to be honest.All I want is to have a sleep and wake refreshed for once ,fed up with being constantly shattered

[Michelle12345]

Fed up and worn out

I was diagnosed with sleep apnea last Feb and have tried 4 different masks now but my problem is that I can go to sleep with a mask on but once I need a toilet visit I just can't get back to sleep with it on,in the first 3 months I was up to 5 hours sleep a night and it really improved my sleeping but now I feel like giving up to be honest.All I want is to have a sleep and wake refreshed for once ,fed up with being constantly shattered

[symmit]

Hi - try and find out what's making you wake in the night - it could be late drinks, or it may be other things that awaken you and no actually the need to use the loo.

[Michelle12345]

Thank you ,will try,mind you after years of not having any sleep I suppose I ought to be grateful for a few hours

[Berneta]

Worn Out

Hi--there are many reasons why you might be waking at night. You might even be rejecting the mask-- and that makes you unable to return to sleep. Each time you get up--go back to bed with a positive attitude. GO through the routine that that you have established for going to bed each time after you get up. In other words--start over. Adjust your mask, use the ramp or full power whichever is most comfortable to you. Wear something comfortable for sleeping (or nothing at all). Keep a container of water, juice, tea, or whatever next to the bed. Keep a good book there and read, or listen to music. Anything to sooth you and make you relax. Waking often results in anger at yourself for not going back to sleep-- and that by itself makes you tense and unable to sleep. So the important thing to do, is to relax yourself and start your sleep routine all over again. You could try leaving the mask on while you go to the bathroom, so that all you need to do is hook it up again when back in bed. Try not to use bright lights anywhere when you get up during the night---use nite lights or a flashlight. Light stimulates wakefulness. Go over your routine to see if there is anything that might be waking you repeatedly--a pet, another member of your household, a bright light, too much to drink or eat, or hunger, an uncomfortable bed, uncomfortable room temperature, feet that get cold, a blanket that is too heavy, Check it all out and good luck. xx Berneta

[Sparticus]

Tired

Im so tired I can now sleep standing up

[Richard]

Don't give up, Michelle!

Try adopting a routine of not drinking anything in the 2-3 hours before you go to bed and make going to the loo the last thing you do before you get into bed.

[Barely Awake]

I get woken mostly by back pain and quite often find I can't get off again. Laying stewing in a mask is testing but I find the Sleepweaver being so light, and as you can scratch your nose through it, makes these periods more bearable. Another thing I find helps is that I told my family not to ring late in the evening unless vital because if I woke I would then start churning over any family worries in my mind or even just unimportant stuff and this in itself stops you drifting back off. Lastly, it is rather potty, but for unknown reasons I one night recalled a plot from an innocuous historic TV show and the next thing I knew it was morning. It doesn't always work and I might have to step through the short scenario a few times but quite often it is a counting sheep trick that works.

[Michelle12345]

Lol,me too,honestly I can fall asleep anywhere ,thanks for the advice

[Michelle12345]

After your advice I have looked into the sleepweaver mask and from reviews I have read it sounds great,I understand it is not available on the NHS yet but will happily buy one,do you know website at all where you can buy them?.Will try anything at the mo

[Tom @ Intus]

After your advice I have looked into the sleepweaver mask and from reviews I have read it sounds great,I understand it is not available on the NHS yet but will happily buy one,do you know website at all where you can buy them?.Will try anything at the mo

Hi Michelle - it is available through the NHS but it depends on which hospital/clinic you visit. Some provide it, some do not at this stage but it is becoming increasingly popular with clinics.

[symmit]

Get your sleepweaver from intus at www.cpap.co.uk, they operate this forum as well.

It's definitely worth a try!

[cwmfelin]

Remzzzs changed everything for me, worth a look - trial pack at least?

Chris

[Michelle12345]

Hi all,just got the a Sleepweaver mask and it is so much more comfortable than my others,tonight will be my third night and although I am still taking it off in my sleep without even knowing it is great,sadly the Oxford Sleep Clinic does not stock them but I am going to take mine along on my next appt to show them,thanks for all your advice x

[Michelle12345]

Must add that I can even sleep on my side,what a result x