Hello all,

I come to you with a poser, but first a little background:

I am 37, and have suffered from OSA for about 12~15 yrs.  I was diagnosed 6 yrs ago, and given a CPAP, which the doc told me to (and no, I am not kidding about this) "fiddle around with it, until you get it set right."  

About 2 yrs ago I had another sleep study, and confirmed I do still suffer (duh!), and was given a new CPAP with a home service  

About 1 yr ago my family doc decided to see if there was a surgical ssolution since I do still suffer from the affects of OSA, even though my CPAP is set correct.  From there I went to a ENT who said I am a prime ccandidatefor the common surgeries (won't bore you with the details, suffice to say they would be the most painful experience of my life), and sent me to an oral surgeon for his oopinion  He too felt I was prime, however was concerned with my HMO funding said surgeries.  So off to the sleep lab again.

After that, the sleep specialist was concerned that I still suffer (the results showed mod-severe OSA) and sent me to a night time study, followed by a day time study, which leads me to my question (yeah, I know, I am long winded.  But thanks for getting this far with me. )

So here goes: what is this?  That is, first the lab set me up and put me down for a 6.5 hr night.  Woke me up, and took off some of the straps (legs and tummy).  Then they put me down for a nap about every 2 hours.  Just when I got to sleep (I think) they would wake me up again.  2 hrs later, back down.  This went on all day, until they finally were done messing with me and let me go home.

Now you would think I wouldn't be able to get to sleep that night, but you'd be wrong.  Slept like a baby!  I think my biggest concern is that I was able to fall asleep each time, and quickly too.  This to me was a tad disconcerting, as I know I must have gotten a good night sleep the night prior, as they had me on a CPAP which they would adjust accordingly.

Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers!

Hi, the daytime nap test is also called "multiple sleep latency test" or MSLT. It is used to measure how fast you fall asleep, and how quickly you go into REM sleep.  This test can be used to diagnose Narcolepsy and/or Idiopathic Hypersomnia - (IH = your very sleepy and we don't know why)
Depending on the results of your test, you may be prescribed medications for either condition. An example of a medication for excessive sleepiness is Provigil, which is a non-stimulant, wakefullness promoting medication.  It is very expensive, ande insurers generally require documentation of Narcolepsy, IH, or exessive daytime sleepiness, such as will be available from your sleep study.
In the event your study indicated narcolepsy, several other medications may also be used in treating that.

Someone who could talk to me, in such a way that I can grasp it!  Thank you SOOO much.  As you may/maynot notice I followed this post (about 3 minutes ago) with the results.  The doc didn't use the term "idiopathic hypersomnia" however he described it to a "t" and put me on Provigil which I started today.  Not noticable effects yet, but I guess it is a TAD early.

Thanks Okie!

well, you are just welcome as can be!!

As for the Provigil, again, it is very very expensive, and if your insurance has a requirement for precertification, (call them, don't guess) don't fill that script until it is authorized!  Ask the doc for samples until it is approved, may take up to a month depending on who your carrier is.