Exercise and apnoea

[Knighton]

I originally had an apnoea rating of 19 incidents an hour but at my last assessment I've jumped up to 59. I'm using a non-titrate CPAP set at my original rate and in the next few months I should be having it set for my new level.

My question is while I'm waiting for this will it cause problems if I start cardio exercise? Obviously my sleep is of poor quality right now but sleep is important for exercise development.

[Tigers Fan]

Hi Knighton

Welcome to the forum.

You have asked a question that should be addressed to your GP. We don't know what else may be right or wrong with you.

Cab a gentle start and not over-doing it do any harm? Absolutely if you have underlying problems.

TF

[Fredxx]

There are general principals for exercise that can be affected by the effects of the sleep Apnoea:

After exercising, the part of the body exercised should be given sufficient time to recover. Normal principals would say only to exercise 3-4 day a week, with days off in between. The effects of the Sleep Apnoea are likely to increase the time the body needs to recover.

If you are doing exercises including weights or other gym equipment, concentration on the way you are doing the exercise is important to avoid injury. Exercising tired reduces your concentration and so increases the risk of injury.

The act of exercising has effects on heart rate and blood pressure. These are also affected by the sleep Apnoea

The simple answer therefore is that the Sleep Apnoea is likely to increase the risks associated with your exercising. The advice from Tiger is spot on though; discuss any significant change in your exercise regime with your GP

[Berneta]

The Trouble with GP's

Hi Guys, I agree with you that it would be wise to ask a GP. But it seems to me that most GP's don't know a lot about Sleep Apnea, or its effects on the body. Most GP's think that losing weight is the answer to all our problems. So my advice is ask the GP --then take into consideration the advice the guys have given you too. Everything in moderation--esp when you could do more harm than good. x Berneta

[Sparticus]

Exercise should not effect your OSA, only improve your health. The problem is what other conditions you may have. My cardio excersise is extreme to the point I nearly black out because my heart rate and breathing cant go fast enough to compensate. It has never effected my osa other than Im exhausted when I get home from the mountains. I did check with my doctor a few years ago before I took up climbing in the mountains and all he said was it will be good for me. Some people just take up going to the gym and working out and end up in all sorts of probs. Get a wee check-up before you start Im sure all will be fine.

[Knighton]

Thanks all but I think you're missing the point, I don't have any underlying conditions. I'm asking because I'm hoping to start running and good sleep is essential towards getting fitter so I want to know if my apnoea will cause problems for me.

[Fredxx]

Now if you had said running instead of Cardio...

[Sparticus]

Thanks all but I think you're missing the point, I don't have any underlying conditions. I'm asking because I'm hoping to start running and good sleep is essential towards getting fitter so I want to know if my apnoea will cause problems for me.

Ah, I see. Well why didnt you say so

The answer to that can only be answered by you. My sport is exhausting and after scrambling up thousands of feet of mountainside Im usually gasping for air with a heart rate close or over 200 bpm. has it effected my fitness, NO! What did was all the Christmas Pud I ate

My advise is try it. Go for a run and see how you feel, if you need to up your sleeping hours to compensate for rest then its a little price to pay for the pleasure you get out of it. Now my apap is working fine, Im sleeping well so my fitness is there when I call on it. Hope this helps

[Sleep2Snore]

Hi Knighton,
You should be able to do almost anything you want, just start gently and work up in your goals. Don't over do it for a start and you should be fine.

If you need your machine to be reset to a higher pressure, I can't understand why they didn't just up the pressure one step at a time?