Had a sleep study 3 years ago and used allergy meds at night. Have been off meds for months since they did not seem to help. During sleep study I had 15 min of REM in 7 hours, and felt normal when woken. Doctor said it was obstructive apnea. No CPAP.
Now I can sleep on command and usually fall asleep in 30 seconds to 1 min in bed. When falling asleep I can feel my respiration falling and ceasing for several seconds at a time. I snore badly once asleep. When breathing slows down it seems like I don't even care until the survival response kicks in and the snort occurs. In other words I am acutely aware of the lack of air, but seem helpless to  inhale. Sound like mixed apnea? My wife usually kicks me when she catches me not breathing. I am almost afraid to sleep alone for obvious reasons.
Seem to be in good health, slightly overweight. No drinking, or smoking. 50 years old.
Sounds hard to explain to a doctor. Surely I am not alone with this one? HELP?


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Richard Y
Ecce Manus Dei

I'm confused - your doctor/sleep study said you have OSA, but he didn't put you on CPAP or anything else to treat it?


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--Frank (FJC)

The doctor felt that I had some allergy problems and lung issues due to some smoke inhalation from my previous job. The lung capacity test given by a pulmonist came back poor, x-rays showed OK. I am a former smoker. I used an inhaler and took zyrtek for the allergies. Felt great for a long time, but have realized recently the breathing problem.


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Richard Y
Ecce Manus Dei

Hi Richard:
Sleep apnea, by definition, can only occur when you're asleep.  The events that you describe sound more like brief pauses following sighs or some other form of hyperventilation, and are probably harmless.
However, if the sleeping events are noticeable enough that your wife is prodding you, that's a whole 'nother issue.  Can you get your study results?  Are you sleepy during the day?
Sounds like time for another sleep study, maybe even second opinion based on the first study results.
sleepydave