My husband has what appears to be severe sleep apnea.  He stops breathing continually throughout the night, sleeps sitting up, falls aspleep while driving, continually tired, moody irritated and a very low libido.  However, he also exhibits another symptom that I was not aware was related to sleep apnea (he talks in his sleep).  Is this typical?

Thanks.

Dawnk

Hello and Welcome, Dawn!
I must stress that I am not an expert on these issues apart from my having been diagnosed for obstructive sleep apnea (and periodic limb movement disorder) and being on CPAP for about 15 months now and from my reading on this board and others about apnea and other sleep disorders.

I don't believe that talking in one's sleep is necessarily related to sleep apnea but I guess it could be.

What stands out most however is that ALL of the other characteristics are VERY typical of sleep apnea. Apnea is primarily characterized by periods where breathing either stops during sleep or is very much reduced. This leads to a drop in the body's oxygen level and also to disruption in sleep-both of which can have serious consequences for your husband's health and well-being. The falling asleep while driving is an extremely serious cause for concern and I would strongly suggest that your husband stop driving until he is properly diagnosed and treated for whatever is causing his excessive daytime sleepiness.

I would strongly encourage your husband to see his doctor about these issues. You and/or your husband may also want to check out the FAQs about sleep apnea at this site.

Do keep us posted on how your husband is doing and let us know if you have any questions.

Best wishes,
Bill

Hi DawnK,

I agree with Bill, your husband should see his doctor about these issues.  You're husband is exhibiting many of the typical symptoms of sleep apnea, so he should be tested.  Don't delay seeing a doctor, and try to make him drive as little as possible.  We think we can jolt ourselves out of drowsiness in time before creating an accident, but it does not always happen.  I've known people who just fell asleep, like passing out, without any sign of falling into drowsiness.  And drowsy driving is a danger to everyone.  Get him tested so that if indeed it is sleep apnea, he can be treated.

As to the talking in one's sleep, I don't know either.  But people with untreated sleep apnea have disrupted sleep stage patterns.  Sleep talking doesn't occur during REM (dream sleep), I'm told.  It could be he's stuck in other stages of sleep.  With disrupted sleep from the apnea, we don't go through all the phases or as often, so I wouldn't be surprised if the sleep apnea makes the sleep talking happen or happen more often.

Good luck, hope he gets tested soon.


Linda


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Thanks Bill

I appreciate your insight.  It is nearly a certainty that he has sleep apnea.  Approximately 1 year ago he was directed to have his tonsils removed to see if that would improve his condition.  The condition did not improve (in fact it is much worse) and actually this is when the talking in his sleep began.  During the tonsilectomy the Dr. said it was very difficult to wake him up and stressed that a sleep study would be needed immediately.  This resulted in the unsuccessful study and he refused to see another Dr. until this year.  He was told that as the first sleep study was unsuccessful he would require a retake in order to properly calibrate the machine.  He has since refused (although he has been told this would be on an urgent basis).  

I am at my wits end but cant force him to discontinue driving.  In many ways I believe he wants to ignore his symptoms because he doesnt want to acknowledge anything is wrong in terms of his health (as he feels he is a young man "39").  

My husband has never been a slim man but has gained a significant amount of weight in the last year.  In fact from the time of his tonsilectomy and his recheck the dr. was alarmed to find out that he had put on 35 pounds.  At this time he weighs about 360 lbs at 5'10.

I have been attempting to be persistent in terms of encouraging treatment, but he is very close to the vest when it comes to his health.  However, he did acknowledge that he falls asleep at work on a daily basis.

I love my husband very much and want nothing but the best for him.  I will continue to encourage with an aim toward teaching him the benefit of surviving over being right.

It is encouraging to hear from someone who has been able to overcome.  It gives me hope.

Thanks.

Dawnk

Hi Dawnk,

I can see how much you have done for your husband, it's really sweet.  Somehow, working on sleep apnea for your spouse need two of you to work hand in hand.  When there is discouragement, the other side need to support in order to face the problem together.  

If by chance you can talk to your husband more about what you have do for me and you loved him so much, I guess it can be a 'move' for him to do the sleep study again and get the right treatment.


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