[LB_mitralvalve]

I can't seem to stay asleep due to something called central sleep apnea... where my brain tells my lungs to "pause" and stop breathing at times during my sleep. Even BI Pap did not help and in fact made the issue worse... Now I have gotten very grouchy and snap at everyone due to me being so tired all the time. I only sleep for 2-4 hrs at any given time.. day or night and take several short naps.. but still tired and crabby. I told my sleep doctor I think I need to be on oxygen given mine drops to 68% at night.. sleep study done. He ordered a home overnight oxuimetry test so I hope THAT convinces him as I am getting VERY mad and discouraged at not sleeping and feeling like I could suffocate. Any suggestions here?

[Travelinglady]

Let's hope, as you say, that the new test will get you the help you need. Anyone can get cranky and irritable after not sleeping well. Have you told your doc the regular machine is not working? There are different versions of masks and so forth that might work better than what you tried.....

[Rohag]

Originally Posted by LB_mitralvalve

...central sleep apnea...

Oh. That's a horse of a different color -- not obstructive sleep apnea. Is there a neurologist in this picture anywhere?

Originally Posted by LB_mitralvalve

Now I have gotten very grouchy and snap at everyone due to me being so tired all the time.

I'm sorry, and I find it entirely understandable. Do the folks around you know about your condition?

[avlady]

I have sleep apnea but don't need the oxygen yet, just pressured air from my sleep apnea machine. I sometimes wake up in the middle of the night, the mask is off, maybe you have to adjust your mask? 2 -4 hours of sleep certainly is not normal I know sometimes i need up to 12 hours if im not going to be in a bad mood all day the next day. you probably need to do the test again?

[(JD)]

Find a new doctor? (You asked for suggestions) WHY he would delay for a home study when you've already had a sleep study done is beyond me (but then, I don't know everything.)

Maybe it's the new care and specifications for extra help, IDK.

[Tamster]

sounds like a VPAP machine would help u and a new study should show that or a home study might. VPAPs are comfortable and have the ability to set a respiratory rate for the central apneas. I have central apnea too during REM sleep.