Posted by tina on July 1, 2000, at 17:23:49
In reply to Re: Sleep, posted by Greg on July 1, 2000, at 14:39:27
Learned a few things I didn't know from this post. Thanks for the honesty bud!
> > Greg, until recently I had MAJOR sleep problems, because I have Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and because of the activating effects of the effexor (and before that paxil, prozac, etc.). But here goes---a list of things I do that I *believe* help me to sleep well:
>
> Noa,
> Can you tell me a bit about OSA? I've read a little and must admit I found it a little confusing. That is if you don't mind.
> >
> > 1. I don't have any kids. This might be the most important factor, judging by my friends and family members who do have kids.
>
> Kids can be disturbing to your sleep, but they can also be a joy that helps bring peace to your life as well. I think it's the little ones who do the most damage to a person's sleep cycle. They certainly aren't for everyone though...
> >
> > 2. I use my CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine, along with its attached humidifier every night (for my apnea).
>
> I ass/u/me (I know making an ass out of you and me...) this is for breathing problems? Are they directly related to the apnea?
> >
> > 3. I don't take lithium anymore (it made me get up to pee constantly).
>
> Never taken it, heard BAD things about it, don't want to try it. What is it used for?
> >
> > 4. I stopped my caffeine habit.
>
> I've cut down from 10 cups a day to 3. Caffiene cetainly doesn't do my anxiety any good. I'm squirrly enough on my own. My anxiety has been very intense at times lately, any suggestions?
> >
> > 5. I lowered my effexor dose and raised my serzone dose (with doc approval, of course).
>
> Effexor made me so forgetful that I had to stop it. I literally couldn't remember where I parked my car most of the time. VERY scary! Never taken Serzone, what is it used for?
> >
> > 6. I try to keep very regular sleep hours (try is the operative word here. my results would be better if I actually achieved very regular hours more consistently). So, on weekends, I try to go to bed not much later than the usual, and get up and out of bed not much later than the usual.
>
> My sleep hours are usually very consistent, but I'm finding that the less sleep I get, the better I feel? Just would like to be able to sleep in once in awhile... Maybe an older aged thing? I've heard that the older you get, the less sleep you require. But I can't even begin to fall asleep without my Ambien.
> >
> > 7. I try not to take naps.
>
> Used to take naps, but haven't in many, many months. Just makes me feel more tired.
> >
> > I almost never drink alcohol, and don't smoke, which I suspect helps, too.
>
> I haven't drank in 12 years (alcoholic), but I do smoke about a pack a day. Was doing better with it (smoking) when I first started the WB, but that seems to have worn off.
> >
> > I think my results would be even better if I kept more regular meal times, and didn't eat during the three hours prior to going to sleep. Before my apnea was treated, this was more of a problem, because I used to get horrible, I mean seeing my life flash before my eyes horrible, acid reflux, which would wake me up feeling like I was choking and checking out for good. Apparently, it was connected to my apnea, because it has vanished since I started using the CPAP.
>
> My schedule is so screwed up most of the time, I never know when I'm going to be able to eat. I just try to fit it in somewhere. I used to have the acid reflux fron Hell. Wake me up in the middle of the night with this incredibal burning from the pit of my stomach up into my throat. It would have me in tears. I also had trouble swallowing and food would lodge about 1/2 way down my throat. Nearly choked to death a few times. My gastro doc put me on Prilosec and after about 1 1/2 mos, it went away. He did several upper GIs but never found anything. Did you take any meds for the AR, or just the CPAP? Did the meds help?
>
> Respond when you have the time and I hope you're having a peaceful day,
> Greg
poster:tina
thread:38451
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000630/msgs/38978.html