Sleep Apnea And Depression

Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:
   Depression? Sleep Apnea? Not enough sleep? Need some advice.?
   Recently I've noticed that I seem to be always tired, which makes it very hard to focus. I discovered this because I need to stay focused at my new job. I get up at the same time everyday, around 8 am, and no matter what kind of sleep I get I seem to feel tired more often then not. It's not every single day I feel this way, just a majority of them. Always feeling tired like this affects my mind as it makes it cloudy and I have problems focusing and remembering simple things even short term things. Recently I've been sweating a lot while sleeping as well even though I always have the air conditioning on. I don't seem to snore though which makes me feel as though it isn't sleep apnea. Feeling this way also makes me very irritable during the day, which I always blamed on feeling tired. Another detail to note is that I'm not obese. I do get between 7-8 hours of sleep everynight and sometimes more on the weekends. What leads me to think it could be depression is that too much sleep can be one of the symptoms which on weekends if I dont force myself to get up I will remain in bed sleeping and feeling tired. Sometimes I do feel depressed it mainly happens at night when Im alone. I try to push these feelings aside and distract myself with tv or a game. These symptoms are found in both depression and sleep apnea. I want to be able to think clearly and not feel tired all the time. What could it be? Is it possible its all in my head?

   • ANSWER:
     Instead of thinking it's all in your head, you should first find out if you have any physical problems that might be causing this. Because you mention night sweats, consider talking to your family doctor about this and your symptoms of feeling tired even though you have been getting an adequate amount of sleep. The doctor may want to take some lab tests to determine if there is a physical cause, not a mental one, that is causing your symptoms. You don't state your age or sex, but if you're female and 40+, the night sweats and feeling tired could be signs that you are starting menopause. If you're male, certainly this wouldn't apply to you, but you could have some type of low grade infection (regardless of sex) that could be the cause. Take the time to go to your family doctor and relate all of your symptoms so that any physical issues can be identified or ruled out before you look into any type of mental cause for your feelings of tiredness.

     Once you rule out the physical, then start working with a mental health professional with the same process. Talk about what symptoms you are having and allow that professional to ask more detailed questions that can help you resolve the issue and get the relief you seek. Good Luck.

2. QUESTION:
   I have sleep apnea and bipolar depression. Will correcting the apnea improve the depression?
   I have bipolar, although it's mild I think. I frequently go back and forth between depressed and normal. I also have obstructive sleep apnea and have always had trouble sleeping. I'm having my tonsils out in 3 months to correct the problem. Will alleviating the apnea help stabilize my moods as well?

   • ANSWER:
     Probably not. Bipolar is caused by an imbalance of norepinephrine. You might get better sleep and that could help you feel better. I would talk to your doctor about your depression. Have you ever been diagnosed with bipolar? Because you need to have had a manic or hypomanic episode to be considered bipolar. I think you might just have depression. Bipolar isn't between normal and sad, it's between manic, normal, mixed, and depression. Talk to a doctor and get some professional help.

3. QUESTION:
   Do you know anyone who has ADD, sleep apnea and depression?
   Like me?

   • ANSWER:
     yes i have all of the above. lol

4. QUESTION:
   psychiatrist says I have OCD, anxiety disorder, sleep apnea, and depression?
   I went to the psychiatrist today and he told me exactly what I had. He gave me medication for my sleeping problems, depression, and anxiety. But it takes about 1 month to start seeing improvements. There's only 2 months of school left, but I don't know if I can handle school anymore. Atleast not the rest of this year, too much happened that I can't even concentrate on my education anymore, and my grades are going down. I dread going everyday, I need help fast. I try my best to go, but the school always ends up sending me back home from 10-12am because of my anxiety and nausea. For some reason I don't like leaving my home. Should I be homeschooled for the rest of the year, and go back next year? Just so I can get my life back on track, and my education. But is this a good idea? And if so, could I start this week? Or at the end of spring break.

   Sorry, I have many questions.

   • ANSWER:
     Most likely you have a fear of leaving home. There are programs for teens with anxiety/depression/addiction/etc day programs that can really make a difference. Some are one month some are two weeks. They can teach you how to cope with your stress and manage your time. Also these are medical conditions. Talk to your teachers about getting extensions on assignments extra work you can do to improve your grade, etc. If you are in k-12 you can try to see if you can get an IEP (individual education plan). Talk to your parents about this and the school disability and counseling services. don't leave school and avoid the situation, learn how to deal with it.

5. QUESTION:
   Psychiatrist says I have OCD, anxiety disorder, sleep apnea, and depression?
   I went to the psychiatrist today and he told me exactly what I had. He gave me medication for my sleeping problems, depression, and anxiety. But it takes about 1 month to start seeing improvements. There's only 2 months of school left, but I don't know if I can handle school anymore. Atleast not the rest of this year, too much happened that I can't even concentrate on my education anymore, and my grades are going down. I dread going everyday, I need help fast. I try my best to go, but the school always ends up sending me back home from 10-12am because of my anxiety and nausea. For some reason I don't like leaving my home. Should I be homeschooled for the rest of the year, and go back next year? Just so I can get my life back on track, and my education. But is this a good idea? And if so, could I start this week? Or at the end of spring break.

   Sorry, I have many questions.

   • ANSWER:
     You should be talking to the school about this. If you leave now, you will lose all credit for the work you've done and will have to restart the courses in the fall. There might be a way for you right now to take school work home and go to school once a week to submit things. Talk to the school about it.

     Did your psychiatrist just give you meds and leave it at that? Are you going to be getting therapy, too? Just being homeschooled isn't going to fix anything or help you get your life back on track.

6. QUESTION:
   can sleep apnea cause depression?
   I'm 15 play guitar have friends and stuff, and I was recently diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, and I've noticed I've also been just really depressed, and want to isolate myself from friends, feeling pretty worthless, thinkin' about suicide, I'm pretty sure it's the sleep apnea. is it?

   • ANSWER:
     Yes easily as your sleep quality is affected.

7. QUESTION:
   Obstructive sleep apnea?? Or depression? Its a long one Ik sorry<3 Any doctors lol..?
   I was reading symptoms and it scared the shit out of me because I might think I have it. (That made no sense lol.)

   First I want to start by saying that I'm 15 and I'm athletic. I have a Team Sports Class (getting an A in) and I'm in basketball and soccer. I'm also a very energetic person, usually up and about, until this depression hit in.

   Anyways, I go to sleep early 8-10pm wake up at 6am (and still can't manage to wake up, my brother has to yank the blankets, sometimes even a third or fourth time) and I manage to get some sleep in class (1st, 3rd and 4th).

   I don't snore, but sometimes I can't go to sleep until 11 or 12. (That's PM and midnight/AM). And sometimes I get these urges to hit an all niter. (Translate to English: stay up all night until the following night) and I have succeed a couple times, but usually feel asleep around 11-12 but 11 to 6 is a good 7 hours...I need like 12 hours to be perfect (and like I said, still manage to sleep a few minutes during class).

   Sometimes I even get home do my homework and sleep from 4-8pm wake upfor an hour an go back to sleep until 6 tge next morning!

   I have been feeling very depressed lately and my memory has been clogged for a few years now. My father calls me a slacker because I tend to forget a lot and exceed the normal sleeping limit.

   I also have unexplained cold hands--correction; FREEZING hands (as my friends say). It's not even that it's the end of winter, i would be pretty warm but my hands would feel like a block of ice!

   About the weight gain...I've been gaining but I've noticed it and reached my limit. Im 5'8 and weight 135lbs maybe 40...? Ny doctor says my weight is fine and I'm healthy as a horse but after reading that article it scared me silly!!

   I'm also very depresses...i think it's either this condition or that I have bipolar depression maybe I'm not sure but that's something totally different (happy a minute gloomy another yes I know what that is!) I have no reason to feel this way either):!

   • ANSWER:

8. QUESTION:
   If one has sleep apnea and get their bipap/cpap to the right setting, what changes will they notice.?
   I have been on one many years but he ordered setting 16 and the machine only went to 15..just got a new machine that goes to 20..company suggested I try 17 (as I was apparently still snoring even with cpap on) and go up in increments of 20 to see if it helps.

   I have all the symptoms of sleep apnea (depression, memory loss, lack of concentration, no energy, always tired) except for morning headaches despite using cpap (at the setting 15).

   I am wondering what effects will I immediately notice or notice with time if it is helping. He said his brother lost 60 pounds, is this because of more energy??

   Please answer if you have any answers as I am most anxious to know if I am better after about 15 years on cpap with little benefit. I just used lst night for the 1st time, but don't feel that different (although I did dream).

   thanks
   that last sentence should read anxious tio know if I will get better not if I am better

   • ANSWER:
     I would think if it is effective you would notice a reversal of the symtoms it causes.

     The most common symptoms of sleep apnea in adults are loud snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness. Almost all people who have sleep apnea snore, but not all people who snore have sleep apnea.

     Other signs and symptoms of OSA include: episodes of not breathing; Restless tossing and turning during sleep; nighttime choking spells, sweating, and chest pain; waking with an unrefreshed feeling after sleep, having problems with memory and concentration, feeling irritable and tired, and experiencing personality changes; morning headaches; heartburn or a sour taste in the mouth at night; in obese adults, swelling of the legs; getting up during the night to urinate; daytime naps or sleeping during inappropriate times or activities. People with Sleep Apnea may exhibit onset high blood pressure, unexplained weight gain, depression and other health conditions.

     Untreated, sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure and other cardiovascular disease, memory problems, weight gain, impotency, and headaches. Moreover, untreated sleep apnea may be responsible for job impairment and motor vehicle crashes. Fortunately, sleep apnea can be diagnosed and treated. Several treatment options exist, and research into additional options continues.

     For more help, try this link and hope the new machine helps. That's a long time to suffer. I have heard of people losing weight on bipap/cpap.

     http://www.apneasupport.org/about6416.html

9. QUESTION:
   depression or sleep apnea?
   I've had trouble sleeping for almost two years, and depression for two whole years. My sleep is unrefreshing, but I don't wake up in the middle of the night or anything to gasp for breath.
   Exercise, baths, and taking deep breaths improves my sleep as well.
   I always wake up with a blocked nose in the morning though, I never get morning headaches, never fall asleep during the day, and I have to sleep on my side to make breathing a little easier during the night.
   Is it just plain ol' depression (which I'm on antidepressants for which improve my mood but not my actual sleep) or should I be concerned with something else. I'm 15 years old by the way.

   • ANSWER:
     There are multiple degrees and types of sleep apnea

     I suffer from the blockage type, and I stop breathing 46 times an hour on average, I am classified as a very severe case. I take a bunch of naps, sleep longer than most, and often fall asleep in the middle of every day activities. I wear a mask that shoots 13psi of air at my face when I sleep, but it is VERY uncomfortable and I often take it off unconsciously.

     Sounds like you need a sleep study to figure out what is going on, and trust me you want to shop around for a good sleep clinic.

     They will hook up a ton of wires all over your body (especially your head) and monitor you while you sleep (they usually have a camera in the room).

     Depending on the results, you may have to have another sleep study done, and if you are lucky they give you OJ and Muffins when you wake up!

     Hope that helps, good luck, and sweet dreams!

10. QUESTION:
    What are some books I can read to research the mental issues caused after a person has sleep apnea?
    I am doing an assignment on the mental conditions caused after a person is diagnosed with sleep apnea. This means what type of issues they mentally encounter as a result of sleep apnea (such as depression, changes the must do in their environment etc.) And I would like some literature to read and information that Sleep Apnea causes that most would not be aware to know about.

    • ANSWER:
      there are tons of sites dedicated to sleep ( after all you spend like 1/3 of your life doing it.)

      jsut google " sleep book"
      or "sleeping disorder"

      you will have more than you can read .

11. QUESTION:
    sleep apnea symptoms? or depression?
    Well I've had unrefreshing sleep for about idk 2 years, luckily it hasn't deteriorated my school grades too much. I've also been diagnosed with major depression but I'm thinking is it depression that is affecting my sleep or could it be something else? It always feels as though I never actually go into deep sleep.
    basically what are the symptoms of sleep apnea? and you reckon i should check whether i have it just to be completely sure because my antidepressants have done nothing for my sleep.

    • ANSWER:
      Sleep apnea can have several causes. The most common is obesity, leading to the neck and throat tissues to narrow the airway while sleeping.

      Symptoms include loud snoring, pauses in breathing while asleep followed by an abrupt "snort" or gasp. These would be observed by someone other than you. A person with sleep apnea actually wakes up to start breathing, though they are not conscious of it. They cannot get to the deep levels of restorative sleep. Daytime symptoms include "Pickwickian" spells, or falling asleep while doing normal activities. (like talking, driving, and other things where people don't normally fall asleep)

      So, have a family member or your bed partner watch you sleep to see how many times per night you stop breathing. For sleep apnea it is often 15-100 x per night.

      However, depression is a leading cause of poor sleep, and this is most likely what you have. Some antidepressants actually hinder sleep, so ask your doctor. You may also need a sleep aid for 4-6 weeks to "retrain" your body to get deep sleep.

      Other things that can lead to poor sleep: poor sleep hygeine (not going to bed a the same time each night, exercise before bed, and many more), chronic caffeine use, other medications, restless leg syndrome.

      Talk with your doctor. If it looks, walks, and quacks like a duck, then it's a duck. I'd bet that your depression is the cause of your sleep problem.

      Best of luck

12. QUESTION:
    Sleep apnea: Can an ahi of 15 cause depression?
    I have very mild sleep apnea with an ahi of 15. Can this cause profound mood problems? I have very severe depression and anger problems and I'm hoping that it's caused by my sleep apnea.
    By the way, I have been trying to sleep every night with a CPAP machine for the past year and I've never slept with it on for more than a couple of hours.

    • ANSWER:
      Sleep apnea can cause depression but can also respond very quickly to treatment. Some of the symptoms of sleep apnea and depression often overlap (tiredness, poor motivation, irritability, problems concentrating, and losing pleasure in daily life). Do you use a CPAP machine at night when you sleep? With an AHI of 15 you are on the border of mild/moderate sleep apnea.

      Does your CPAP machine have C-Flex? A lot of people find it easier to sleep when they do. With c-flex the pressure is reduced at the beginning of exhalation and returns to therapeutic pressure just before inhalation.

13. QUESTION:
    Treating sleep apnea and also treating depression?
    Has anyone found that treating their sleep apnea has greatly improved their situation with depression?

    • ANSWER:

14. QUESTION:
    Got a physical and my doc thinks I may have sleep apnea, thyroid problems, and depression... ugh!?
    I gained 30 lbs in two years and it seems like no matter how hard I try, I can't lose weight. I sleep for crap and snore and wake up gasping for air... I'm also very depressed most of the time. Now I'm going to have a lot of extra medical expenses most likely..... and that will only add to the depression. Why does all this stuff have to be going wrong? I'm only 25!

    • ANSWER:
      At least you're tackling it early. I didn't attend to my problems until I was 45 and had gained an extra 200 pounds! When I started falling asleep at work, and then driving (OMG!!), I figured it was time to see the doc! Though I don't like using the CPAP machine, I am now sleeping much better. Joined Weight Watchers and have lost nearly 60 pounds since January! I'm also seeing a counselor and am making great strides with personal issues. So, this is your wake up call . . . take care of yourself before things go REALLY bad.

      Best wishes to you!

15. QUESTION:
    How does Obstructive Sleep Apnea impact cirrhosis and high blood pressure?
    My 60-yr. old husband has Cirrhosis of the liver, High blood Pressure, Rheumatoid Arthritis and severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea - and depression, as a result. I worry in particular because he refuses to use his sleep mask, so for now the sleep apnea seems to be his biggest hurdle, along with depression. He was diagnosed with Cirrhosis over 2 yrs. ago, Stage 4. He stopped drinking, and his liver got better; he still takes meds for that. His blood pressure is controlled with meds, and his RA has all but crippled his knees. I've tried everything to get him to try the newer, lighter sleep masks, get a new sleep study, or at least consult a dr. for the apnea. (He hasn't seen a dr. for that since diagnoses 15 yrs. ago.) He won't even consider any treatment for the apnea; he's just given up on it. He wakes up countless times during sleep; stops breathing over 100 times per sleep cycle, according to his last sleep study 15 yrs. ago. I'm at a loss here..any suggestions?

    • ANSWER:

16. QUESTION:
    Sleep Apnea treatment: Dental device that allows you to breath through your mouth at night?
    I've been officially diagnosed with sleep apnea in the mild to moderate range. I also suffer from depression (probably sleep deprivation induced) and insomnia (late to bed/early to rise). I sleep for between 3 to 5 hours a night. Obviously this isn't enough sleep.

    I've tried CPAP, but can't get used to it, mainly due to my problems with insomnia (my mind has trouble being "quiet"). I have a hard time sleeping without the distraction of a CPAP, and WITH it.... it's impossible for me to sleep. I litterally just DON'T SLEEP with it on. I've been trying for 2 months (seriously).

    I know there are dental devices that relocate your jaw and tounge, but I seem to have problems mainly with my "soft palette". I notice that if I breath through my mouth, it's impossible for it to close off. SO, I was wondering if anyone uses or knows of a dental device that would have holes in it to allow you to breath through your mouth at night? Something like a mouth guard with a tube coming out... THANKS!

    • ANSWER:
      My husband has the same problem...It takes longer than 2 months to get use to the CPAP....he had to change the device that covers your nose to a more comfortable one.
      I don't think its the CPAP you are having trouble with..Its falling asleep and staying asleep.
      Could be hormones making you stay awake and waking up early

      Out of wack Hormones can make you stay awake and wake up every hour.
      Check with your Doctor, antidepressent pills helped me sleep

17. QUESTION:
    Why am I sleepy and depressed all the time?
    I dont understand it. I have been to a lot of doctors and got diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea, depression symptoms and B12 deficiency. While this might seem like its an answer in itself why do Iget the feeling there is a lot more to it than simply this...Any suggestions please shoot. I desperately need some. How serious can B12 deficiency if you dont have pernicious anaemia?

    • ANSWER:
      Vitamin B12 deficiency can be very serious if not treated. I have permanent nerve damage myself from misdiagnosis - i have a rare autoimmune disease called juvenile autoimmune pernicious anaemia (but my blood cells were normal even when severely deficient which lead to the misdiagnosis). I recommend sublingual oral B12 spray. I take 2000mcg daily...i love my B12!

      "Our study has shown that undue delay in diagnosing and treating of B12 Deficiency will inevitably lead to neuro-psychiatric symptoms becoming irreversible, if replacement therapy is not initiated early in the disease process.

      Irreversible Neuro-Psychiatric symptoms:

      Headaches, Memory Loss
      Confusion, Depression
      Weakness of Limbs, Paraesthesia
      Loss of balance, Swaying to one side
      Loss of sensation and power of limbs
      Sub Acute combined degeneration of cord
      Incontinence of bladder and bowel
      Optic atrophy, Blindness

      Great link of vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms >>> http://b12d.net/book/export/html/29

18. QUESTION:
    Is it possible for a sleep disorder to cause anxiety and depression?
    20 years old... I am having a sleep study at the end of the month and my doctor is pretty sure I have sleep Apnea, as I am tired all the time and snore really badly. But for the past 4-5 years Ive been experiencing really bad depression and anxiety. This past year has been the worse, as I moved to a new state and my anxiety has turned into what might be social anxiety. I feel nervous and paranoid around people. Always thinking they don't like me and that they are talking bad about me. Do you think the sleep apnea could have caused this, as I've had this sleep problem since I was a child.

    • ANSWER:
      When we are deprived of sleep, it can cause many different problems. It's good you are seeing about your sleep disorder, I think once they can solve that, you will most likely see your symptoms deminish.

19. QUESTION:
    Is it possible to have sleep apnea and insomnia at the same time?
    I have been suffering with sleep apnea for months now. After waiting three stressful weeks for the machine to arrive, I used it but only managed to get 3 hours of sleep. I also noticed, that before I had the machine my average time spent sleeping decreased. Tonight I am fully awake and I cannot sleep at all. Is it possible to have sleep apnea and insomnia together? I have serious depression already, so I think that this is a logical explanation. What do I do?

    • ANSWER:
      Your not alone friend. I have both as you do and what I suggest is now that you have the machine, you go to your doctor and get a sleep aid that can be accompanied by an antihistamene. Let me tell you I am on Trazadone for sleep and hydroxyzine which is the antihistamene. Together they work wondurfully. Also you may be overweight which many are who have apnea. Try not to drink too much water and if you are getting up in the night to urinate often then ask your doctor for a diuretic which will reduce the overall body fluid in the body. You may want to look into the possibility of type 2 diabetes. Hope this helps. Hang in there it gets better.
      p.s. I am awake by choice as i was off yesterday catnapping all day in the rainy weather. Just so you don't ask yourself, Why is he not asleep then?" LOL

20. QUESTION:
    Can a sleep study diagnose depression??
    I just recently had a sleep study done to check for sleep apnea .... my doctor just called and left me a message that " I had very mild sleep apnea which did not require the use of cpap but he had indications of severe depression"
    Question; Does a sleep study alone provide information to make such a diagnosis??

    • ANSWER:
      HELL NO! your doctor is a quack. i ran sleep labs across the country for like 8 years and the most commonly misdiagnosed thing i see is drs. thinking their patients are depressed when they really have apnea. THERE IS NO WAY A POLYSOMNOGRAPHY CAN TEST FOR DEPRESSION! i'd get a new dr...

21. QUESTION:
    I'm scared to sleep, and I can't seem to breathe right? ?
    I am absolutely terrified right now. for no good reason. I haven't,sleep in days, and because I'm thirteen I really need it. I already have uneven, hooded eyelids, with wrinkles. sometimes, when I do drift of into sleep, I wake up because I can't breathe, and I get so scared because my mom is so close because she can't see my struggle and I try to scream, but I pass out or fight to move or regain breath. my family has a history of depression, sleep apnea, asthma, and I hope that helps. I'm worried about my own health because I haven't been able to feel my limbs for 1-2 hours, the go completely numb. please help.

    • ANSWER:
      Check out the link below regarding sleep studies.

      http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/slpst/slpst_whatis.html

      Your condition sounds severe, to such an extent that you really should go to hopsital emergency room to discuss with a doctor.

      Hope this helps.

22. QUESTION:
    I went to sleep doc & talked about depression & anxiety. He put me on LEXAPRO. Any Suggestions on it ?
    I have 3 boys ages 7, 4, and almost 2. They are great kids. I also have a loving husband. He is a big help and a great dad. He is very supportive to me and the kids. I have some stress issues and I went to see my sleep apnea doctor. He recomended that I try LEXAPRO for a while. I was wondering if any of you have tried it and what were your side effects?

    • ANSWER:
      My husband was started on Lexapro about 6 months ago, and let me tell you, he is a new man. He is so happy and mostly worry-free now.

      In the first month or so, our sex life suffered. He had no drive whatsoever. It returned after that first month, and that was the only thing we've experienced so far. From our experience, side effects were definitely minimal. I would give it a shot

23. QUESTION:
    What other problems could be mistaken for sleep apnea?
    I have many symptoms of sleep apnea but my sleep study shows that it is not an issue. I am tired all the time, no energy or motivation. Depression and anxiety are a major problem. I wake up many times a night feeling like I cannot catch my breath, like my chest is very heavy and not getting enough air/oxygen. What other conditions could cause these symptoms?

    • ANSWER:
      Did they check your limb movements while you were in for the sleep study? Periodic Limb Movement Syndrome & Restless Leg Movement Syndrome can both create excessive daytime sleepiness, as can Idiopathic Hypersomnia.

      Depression and thyroid problems should also be ruled out. Sleep issues can affect mood and depression issues can affect sleep. It's often difficult to tease the two apart.

      Because of the breathing problem, allergies and asthma should also be looked at as the potential cause.

24. QUESTION:
    How to deal with a person, that has more than one health problem?
    Im dating this man for 5months, and just found out, he has diabetes,high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and depression. How do i deal with someone like that?

    • ANSWER:
      wow.. he sounds very unhealthy! poor guy

      maybe talk to him about it, ask if you can go to his doctor's appts with him (if you feel comfortable enough with him) so you can learn more about all his conditions and know the risks and what he would benefit from... do your research and you can help him... with what he has there are a lot of diet restrictions so you could amend your diet to fit with his (strictly all healthY!) ? show that you support him and want to help him, and know how to keep all of his illness's under control!

      and treat him like a normal person... coz he is normal

25. QUESTION:
    What can I do, I am very obese and have obstructive sleep apnea every day is hell for me?
    I feel my health is very bad and I am approved for LAP BAND

    what can I do in the meantime I sleep alot but I never feel rested and have anxiety attacks
    and depression due to my obesity I need to wait another 2 months or so for surgewry

    • ANSWER:
      Never sacrifice being healthy by not eating! That comment was not okay. Getting the proper amount of exercise and eating healthy is the key. You can check this site for more tips on getting healthy. www.FischerFit.com

26. QUESTION:
    My husband has sleep apnea. What kinds of things can he do to improve his situation?
    He falls asleep standing up even after a full nights rest, and he sleeps all night and most of the day and still falls asleep while talking to you. We are seeing a doctor next week but I was wondering if it might be depression. Any thoughts?

    • ANSWER:
      A friend of mine had this problem, she was tested and found that she stopped breathing up to 200 times per hour. She told me how it effected her mood, she would be sitting at her desk with a pen in her hand and think a few minutes had gone by but when she looked at the clock it was an hour later. The final straw for her was when she was driving and realized a tractor trailer was in front of her but she couldn't tell when it had gotten there. She has been using the CPAP Machine for about two years now, and she states its like being reborn. Her family talks about what a hard time it was in their lives with her until she started using this machine, she is a different person. And from personal experience if her masks breaks and she is unable to use it for a night, I just stay clear of her the next day at work because of her foul mood. The CPAP has to be use every night, it blows oxygen into your nose at a very high pressure to keep you breathing. Don't worry your husband is showing every sign of sleep apnea. It seems he sleeps all night but really hes not getting a restful sleep because of his problems, so he is always sleepy. His mood will also get better with medical help. Good luck

27. QUESTION:
    Catholics-does Catholic church say depression is a sin?
    Im Catholic but its upsetting me as i read somethign that seemed to indicate something along those lines.
    In general,the answer seems to be prayer or medications without people considered much else:eg:quality sleep and learning thoroughly how to do that,biological conections between sleep apnea and depression etc.
    My question is,animals can also get depression and then have certain reactions eg:be aggressive or lack of appetitie etc so why would depression be classed as a sin if animals who cant sin, it can effect too?Also,dont some children get trauma and/or depression after war or a family divorce,sexual abuse etc so would the Church suggest that childs physiological reaction/response(termed the word depression) is a sin too?
    Also,wouldnt suggesting that it is a sin make a depressed person feel even worse and condemned and likes its all their fault ?
    Please only give offical catechism answers and not just own or a teacher/Fathers personal opinions but official Chruch answers im after in particular.
    Thanks
    Sassy-wow people like you are annoying.
    Im not depressed its not about me but if i was there would be nothing more annoying then the noisy "please get help" "you dont have to suffer" "take your meds" crowd.
    Noisiness is not a good quality and psych(o)iatrists are overpaid quacks who help next to noone as judged by the amount of depression,anxiety or other conditions people in 'western' countries have.
    Haha thanks Greg-thats the crappy article i was talking about.Its Fr. Benedict Groeschel's advice that sounded condemning and like it could be dangerous/distressing to depressed people.
    Have a look at photos of Fr. Benedict Groeschel...he looks depressed!
    It really gets up my goat when people who look depressed give others advice on overcoming depression.Or alternatively when noisy people or wannabe psychologists tell others how to fix their family probs when in reality the noisy person has more family probs then most people!
    People who havnt fixed their own issues should have the commonsense and selfrestraint to keep silent and not give advice to others.

    • ANSWER:
      No.

      Illness, whether physical or mental, is not as sin.

      Sin is a deliberate thought, word, deed, or omission contrary to the eternal law of God. In other words, sin is anything that hurts your relationship with God.

      For more information, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church: http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/pt3sect1chpt1art8.shtml

      With love in Christ.

28. QUESTION:
    Sleep apnea and suicide?
    Are there any statistics on people with sleep apnea committing suicide because of depression brought on by chronic lack of sleep?

    • ANSWER:

29. QUESTION:
    Sleep Apnea Sufferers: What has been your experience with CPAP?
    I've had treatments for depression for about 3 years now. None of the depression treatments such as medication and ECT helped.

    I recently suspected sleep apnea and went for an overnight sleep study. They confirmed that I was experiencing sleep apnea, and I had a partial night's rest using the CPAP machine at the testing location, but it wasn't a full night's rest using it.

    The test was last weekend, and they said it would be 7-10 days for a doctor to analyze the data and get back to me. I won't know how severe my sleep apnea is until I hear from the doc...

    I was wondering if anyone would like to share their sleep apnea problems and solutions, and how well they did (or didn't) work. I'm especially interested in anyone's story involving depression, either due to or made worse by sleep apnea.

    I'm not terribly overweight, 6ft 1in and 220 lbs, but the doc said I have a very narrow throat, and my severe allergies and sinus problems play a role.

    I appreciate anyone's storys!

    • ANSWER:
      I am 36 yoa, 6'2", and weigh 250#, I have a 21" neck and have been diagnosed as having sleep apnea. I was put on a CPAP machine and I could not get used to the machine. I got tangled up in the hose all the time, not to mention that it dried my sinuses to the point of constant nighttime nosebleeds, even with a passive humidifier. I found once I started an exercise regimin that included eating healthier and weightlifting along with cardio exercise that I was able to relax and sleep better. I still have relapses, my wife notices that I do it most when I have a stressful day at work ( I am a law enforcement officer) You should try the machine and make the determination for yourself. There is also a surgical procedure where they "roto rooter" your sinuses to open the passages up. I don't know about that. I do know that when you find out what works you will feel the difference in your quality of sleep. Good Luck!

30. QUESTION:
    21 year old male with weird symptoms? Anyone?
    So....

    For the past few years, I have found myself becoming increasingly tired and some days I just don't feel like getting out of bed. My symptoms are as follows:

    Increasing fatigue, mild chest pains (made worse in times of high-stress), a general "shaky" feeling that runs through me, depression, sleep apnea, joint and ankle pain and swelling, low testostrone, frequent carpal tunnel in both wrists, restlessness, and inability to sleep at night (despite being very tired).

    Any ideas?

    • ANSWER:
      Although not as common in males, you might be Iron deficient. Lack iron can lead to low red blood cell count and therefore your body might not be carrying enough oxygen to do it's job. Chronic tiredness and low libido are classic signs of this. When your body gets too low in this mineral you are considered amemic. But I would consult your doctor and get your blood checked first.

      Weak shakiness and swelling in the feat could also be a sign of diabetes.

      I'd consult a doctor. What you're describing sounds too serious, especially the pain in your chest to not get it checked out.

31. QUESTION:
    Could i have a disorder or is this normal?
    Lately for the past month or so I've been extremely tired I can barely get up in the morning and I'm only 16 and I've never had this problem before. I've felt nauseated for the past year off and on when I wake up in the morning an I just can't eat anything without feeling sick. No not pregnancy its been going on more than a year. I feel super weak and drained constantly and have a hard time staying up in class. I've gained some weight and eat more. Unless its in the morning when I feel sick. I've read a lot about like sleep apnea, depression, anemia, throid disorders, diabetes and vitamin deficency. I don't think I have depression I'm a happy kid. Not unusually stressed lately. I have very good iron but heavy periods slo idk about the anemia. I have a really hard time sleeping and its been going on the past month or so. Is this normal or could I have one of things I mentioned above or even something else? If I do what should I do?
    Oh and i've been having some pretty intense headaches the past week and a half. My aunt has thyroid problems too. She gained a lot of weight and has had a lot of problems.

    • ANSWER:

32. QUESTION:
    B&A Peeps: Which is easier? Writing from a PC keyboard or your laptop?
    For me, it would be a PC keyboard. I'm still having difficulties getting used to my laptop--especially in finding a way to use it on a stable surface that *doesn't* involve 1001 Body Positions. (Most of them painful!)

    I'm making equally painful progress on my books. I've managed to complete two pages in the last six weeks on a book that should have been finished last year. (Of course, this is *after* stopping and starting on the last couple of chapters and rewriting them because none of it would fit in the current storyline.

    But hey...! I'm not complaining! I'll be done in about say...2026--at the *latest*.)

    However, I've been dealing with sleeping problems, insomnia, sleep apnea, depression, and all this lovely stuff.

    So my writing hasn't been stellar, nor has it been..."news worthy". :0)

    And this new laptop has proven to be as much as a challenge as it has become a vital part of my writing.

    I've wanted one for so long and then I finally get one and then all of...*this* starts happening. (lol)

    Anyhew...sorry for the ramble.

    How about you?

    • ANSWER:
      I love typing away on my laptop in my attic, especially when there is a raging storm, because we have reinforced windows, so I'm pretty confident I won't die while I enjoy the rain. Laptops are my favorite invention, and are ten times better than all the touch screen gizmos and gadgets of the age. I have all these really awesome files full of my poetry, short stories, and novellas that have managed to slow down my computer significantly. But I'd never think of deleting them.

33. QUESTION:
    ttc and pcos and multiple health problems?
    this may be a long shot of a question but i am in need on some hope. has anyone every gotten pregnant with pcos and multiple health problems i will list mine below in case yall have any ideas of whether or not they will cause a big problem in concieving and having a healthy pregnancy. just wondering how hard it is with pcos and multiple health problems.

    pcos, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, hiatal hernia/acid reflux, hypothyroidism, recent kindey stone, fatty liver, wpw/ palpitations, sleep apnea, depression, and i think that is all the big ones

    • ANSWER:
      I have pcos and i have been trying for a year and a half after a miscarriage I say ask your doctor for clomid it will help with all your problems you may have a hard time conceiving

34. QUESTION:
    Is being diagnosed with PCOS important?
    I have many of the symtoms, not all of them though. A couple of years ago i didn't get my period for a whole year, everyone told me it was stress because my father had just past away. I lost a little weight started getting my periods again and now that I have gained the weight back it has been 7 months without a period. I also have, hypothyroidism, sleep apnea, depression, anxiety, fatigue, acne... that is all I can think of right now.

    My doctor has told me many times that even if I have PCOS it is no big deal, And doesn't want to send me to a specialist to get diagnosed. His thinking is even if I have PCOS the only way to make it better is to lose weight, so do that. I am working on that but it very slow in coming.

    Is it important to actually be diagnosed with PCOS or should I just forget about it and try to lose weight. I want to have children but not for a couple years...

    • ANSWER:
      If you want to have children in couple of years, then I would recommend the best time to start that process is now given PCOS. Although all women with PCOS can and do eventually get pregnant, it can take a long time given not ovulating as frequently (our first one took 3.5 years w/PCOS).

      It is important to lose the excess weight, start exercising and watch your diet, so your cycle gets back to more normal. This itself can take several months and up to a year. In addition to this, you may also consider taking the med metformin for PCOS - this will also help lose weight and may help regulate your cycle. It is important to get diagnosed now, so you know what you are dealing with (presumably your hypothyroid is under control as well as that can affect fertility as well).

      Good luck.

35. QUESTION:
    hmm sleep apnea (yada yada 20 characters)?
    I have been diagnosed with major depression, and I have unrefreshing sleep. Now I know thats more likely to be because of decreased REM sleep but I'm considering what are the chances of it being sleep apnea? like central sleep apnea? Do most people wake up realising they've stopped breathing? Do they wake up several times a night? I highly doubt I have it since I don't doze off randomly during the day or have morning headaches but I'm just wondering.
    woops was going to post this in respiratory diseases. oh well

    • ANSWER:
      Many people with sleep apnea have absolutely no idea that they have it. You can be waking up hundreds of times through the night because you are not breathing, but be totally unaware this is happening.

      If you sleep with someone, your bed partner is more apt to be aware of your sleep apnea than you.

      Snoring is a symptom of sleep apnea, though not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. Best to talk with your doctor about your concerns. He can refer you to have a sleep study done.

      All that about apnea, I want to include some other thoughts on depression. Apnea can contribute to depression, but so can countless other things. Excessive stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, lack of social support, and more. Lots of books out there on the subject, but one I find very informative is entitled "Optimum Nutrition for the Mind" by Patrick Holford. It covers many mental ills, including depression. It also gives some very specific and helpful recommendations about diet and supplement support.

36. QUESTION:
    Husband with medical issues not taking care of himself?
    My husband has Sleep Apnea and depression. Both have caused weight gain and both are made worse by weight gain. Every doctor he has seen in the past year has told him to get gastric-bypass (weightloss) surgery. He is non compliant with his sleep apnea treatment and is not only retaining fluid but one of his calves is swollen as big as his thigh. Because of the depression and lack of restfull sleep at night he is tired all the time. He will nod off during a conversation. The excess fluid and weight are taking a toll on his knees. He is barely able to walk and uses the scooter stores provide if we have to go out shopping. To top it off he has lost his job and insurance. How do I get him to comply. I can't go to the appointments he has to attend prior to surgery for him. I am doubly frustrated because coincidentally, my mother had similar health issues. She was non compliant and died. We have two young children. Do I push him or do I just watch him die?

    • ANSWER:
      Is he doing anything about the sleep apnea? In my personal case I lost 75 pounds just by getting the CPAP breathing machine and getting use to it! I am 61 now and using the machine for 2 years has turned my life around! I was literally PUSHED PULLED SCREAMING FIGHTING HARDHEADED STUBBORN INSISTING THAT I HAD NO PROBLEM UNTIL MY WIFE JUST FLAT MADE ME GO TO A SLEEP LAB!! MY WIFE MADE ME GO!

      SO MY WIFE SAVED MY LIFE! SOMEDAY YOUR HUSBAND WILL SAY THAT ABOUT YOU!

      DO WHATEVER YOU CAN DO! HAVE PATIENCE WITH HIM BUT JUST KEEP ON BEING STUBBORN ! IF HE IS A HAS A HARD HEAD LET YOURS BE THAT MUCH HARDER!

      HE IS WORTH THE EFFORT!

      I DID NOT REALLY APPRECIATE MY WIFE'S EFFORTS AT THE TIME NOW I CANNOT THANK HER OR SAY THINGS NICE ENOUGH ABOUT HER SHE IS A TRUE ANGEL!

      SIGNED

      A SAVED HUSBAND

      APS

37. QUESTION:
    I found out I have been DENIED for gastric bypass!! Sad!!?
    I found out I have been DENIED for gastric bypass!! Sad!!! They said something like since I'm being treated for the conditions I have (High Blood Pressure, Depression, Sleep Apnea, Pre-Diabetes, Asthma, and IBS...they say it not medically necessary! What the heck is Medicaid (Pennsylvania Medical Assistance/ACCESS) thinking??

    • ANSWER:
      Well I really think you should try another bariatric doctor or clinic to appeal that decision. Some of the conditions that you name can be drastically reduced if not even reversed with weight-loss. I do know that they have to get you sleep apnea under control before preforming the surgery, but everything else besides the depression is something that should qualify you to have the surgery.....you should do some go read some of the appeal stories and experiences from this website it may help lead you in the right direction:

      http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/

38. QUESTION:
    Could This Be Possible for Me?
    OK
    So I am 17 years old and right now I have a irregular period. I have not had one since June. I was looking up causes for irregularity and I ran across something called PCOS. I really think I have it. It said some of the causes are insulin, and something about androgen which causes hair growth and some other stuff. Well I have to take insulin because I am a type 2 diabetic. And I think I have a high level of androgen becaue like I have facial hair, like you can actually see the hair on my face. Also I have a lot of the symptoms. Obesity, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, anxiety and depression,sleep apnea,acne, increased facial hair growth.I am sort of happy now that I know what might be wrong because at first I didn't know but I am still going to go to the ob/gyn. But what I wanted to ask is can pcos affect someone my age? I am 17 years old.

    • ANSWER:
      it can effect anyone at any age really - but its only generally noticed/diagnosed once you're trying for a baby and are finding it hard.

39. QUESTION:
    What do you do when you need your CPAP and you have a terrible cold?
    Also, what do you do for severe depression due to sleep apnea?

    • ANSWER:
      Your CPAP machine should actually help you breath when you have a cold. Depression is not caused by sleep apnea. Check into sleep apnea

40. QUESTION:
    How much exercise do I need to do to lose weight?
    I am 31, 188 lbs and am 5 foot 3 inches tall. I have pcos (poly cystic ovarian syndrome) depression/anxiety and sleep apnea. How much exercise is needed to lose weight and could my medical issues result in not losing weight ever. I am on metformin 1000mg a day, welbutrin 150 mg a day and abilify 2mg a day. I do not drink soda eat fast food chips candy ect. Thanks so much

    • ANSWER:
      Well, make sure that you eat a moderately balanced diet of whole grains, lean meats, and lots of veggies and fruits. That's great that you avoid sodas, fast food, etc. Know that some foods in moderation are okay. Treat yourself to a small amount once or twice a week.

      For weight loss, it is recommended to not lose more than one pound a week. How is this achieved?
      If you burn 500 calories exercising every day, you will lose one pound in a week. Find a type of physical exercise that you enjoy (brisk walking, stairstepper, pilates, kickboxing, swimming). Part of your workout should include cardio (activity that raises your heartrate).

      Losing weight may actually help your sleep apnea, and I believe the same for your depression and anxiety. Sleep apnea is only worsened when persons are obese or overweight.

      Watch your sugar and sodium intake. Added sugars and salts hide in processed foods.
      Make sure you stay hydrated- eight 8 oz. glasses of water a day.
      Stay patient and positive. Talk to you doctor about a more specific fitness plan. He/She could help you find the plan you need.
      Good luck.

41. QUESTION:
    Am I a candidate for social security disability?
    I have worked all my life. I have denerative disc in my back. It hurts so bad if I do any lifting at all. I have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, bad allergies, asthma, depression and anxiety, sleep apnea. I am on meds for all this. My work is driving me crazy. I cant keep going like this.

    • ANSWER:
      Well, I work for a Social Security Law Firm and deal with cases all day. You're claim sounds reasonable, it all depends though on your doctor's opinions, clinical signs (MRIs, CTs, X-rays), and sadly, where you live. Unless you are extremely disabled, your claim is going to be denied at the first 2 levels of adjudication and have to proceed to the hearing level. This is where your location comes into play. There are good hearing offices, and very, very bad ones.

      I would definitely recommend hiring an attorney from day one as they will aid you greatly. They can't make the process go faster, but they vastly improve your chances of winning.

      Also, first of all, you need to stop working to even consider filing. You can't keep working and file, it will not help your claim.

42. QUESTION:
    should i see a doctor for depression?
    i think i might have sleep apnea because i have all the symptoms & it's hereditary. i have already taken a sleep study but don't get my results for about another week. one of the symptoms of sleep apnea is restlessness but that is also one of the symptoms for depression. along with sleep apnea, a person can also get depression but ive been feeling depressed alot longer then i thought i might have sleep apnea. do you think i should see a doctor now because i might have depression or do you think i should wait because it will get better after i am diagnosed with sleep apnea and get treated for it?

    • ANSWER:
      No, I think you should wait until your results come back. If the results come back negative then maybe talk to a doctor about possible depression, don't just assume.

43. QUESTION:
    Has anyone ever been precribed oxygen for depression?
    Have you ever been prescribed oxygen for

    1. depression after a heart attack?
    2. depression after giving birth?
    3 depression due to sleep apnea?
    4. other?

    I'm kind of curious since I became very depressed after taking a beta blocker which slowed downed my heart rate. It got me thinking that depression is all about circulation of iron and oxygen to the brain.

    I would find it interesting if someone did trials to see if calcium channel blockers, lipitor, and anything else to improve circulation like exercise or even an hour of oxygen a day in winter would dramatically improve mood. Cold hands, cold feet, cold mind.

    • ANSWER:
      Depression has nothing to do with the circulation of iron and oxygen to the brain, if it did then all people with anemia would be very depressed. Taking Vit D during the winter months helps with depression since you are not getting alot of sunshine and that is how your body gets vit D and a deficiency of this vitamin causes depression.........

44. QUESTION:
    will i have sleep apnea?
    Dear friends,

    For the past five years I have been suffering from
    1. Extreme day time tiredness/fatigue
    2. Overweight, but not obese.(90kgs-I am29 yrs,male)
    3. Have Blood pressure, but well under control due to tablets(been taking tablets for the past 5 years)
    4. Snoring....but not too loud.
    5. Tiredness when I get up from bed......literally not able to get up from the bed...I had to push myself hard to get up
    6. Approximately ...... in a day I am yawning for about 50 times.
    7. I do not remember for gasping for breath during night time. I also do not get up during the nighttime. I have a good sleep, but unrefreshing sleep. I can easily sleep as early as within 10 minutes in to the bed, but getting up is really difficult....no matter how many hours I sleep.
    8. I was diagnosed for Stress and depression 4 years back at the time when the doctor discovered that I had blood pressure. I personally feel that I do not have any stress or depression as of now....and My BP is normal

    • ANSWER:
      I would bet that you definately have it. I do and you described my symptoms exactly. Get a sleep study done. Its painless and a cpap is the best thing I have discovered.

45. QUESTION:
    question about sleep apnea?
    I have sleep apnea. I wake up at least 10 times a night (that I know of)when the back of my throat closes up and I cant breath. Im spacey during the day and have a constant headache. Ive been prone to depression/anxiety in the past, and to make matters worse....i freak out when I jerk out of a dead sleep when I cant breath and it starts a panic attack. I called my doctor, but he cant see me for 2 weeks. Does anyone have any advice on how to deal with this until I can make it to my appointment? Im scared.

    • ANSWER:
      First of all I am 61 years old I have sleep apnea and until two years ago I did not get any treatment. So you are very lucky that you will be receiving treatment at a much younger age because I feel so very much better now .

      I thought I was perfectly A OK until sleep apnea was diagnosed in a most unusual manner.... rather dramatic to me! See I had a real simple operation in a hospital and was under anesthesia when I simply kinda like stopped breathing like they call DEAD LIKE ... thus was discovered formally the fact that I had central sleep apnea! They like told my wife this and my tail was in a SLEEP LAB within the month for a overnight session where I stopped breathing 20 times while I was in what is called the REM level of sleep. There are levels of sleep all the body gets sleep but the brain only sleeps on the last level level six called REM for rapid eye movement because our eyes dart around during this time.

      It works like this when our brain takes a brake and goes into this level our body is on automatic. It is operated by the lower brain stem. Now if breathing is blocked of or if it stops the carbon dioxide builds up and the oxygen goes away in the blood in the brain! This triggers the brain to drop out of REM and signal the lungs to gasp for air! Now if a person was out on drugs or alcohol the brain could not signal the lungs and the person would simply not ever breath and DIE! Cause of death sleep apnea! Sleep apnea does not usually wake up a person. Usually it just wakes up your brain a little bit and you do not normally realize it ever happened! Most people just get up in the morning and are tired or have headaches or have to have an afternoon nap! They do not realize what is wrong, this is how my was!

      You should look in the phone book for a Sleep Clinic rather than a regular doctor! Your doctor will only send you to one anyway! They will in an overnight session find the exact thing that is happening! There is a fancy name it is called a polysomonograph they measure your breathing, brain pattern, pulse, eye movement, leg movement and they take a movie of you sleeping. That is who you should contact the doctor connected with one of those clinics. You can go to them without a referal!

      Everything will be just fine but you do need to go to a Sleep Study

      Relax you will be fine I made it for 59 years but they were miserable compaired to how it could of been!

      Try to go to a Clinic Directly Please!

      APS

46. QUESTION:
    Are there other medical conditions that create similar symptoms to those of depression and anxiety?
    I am doing a little research. I have found a considerable amount of overlap in symptoms that are typically diagnosed as depression, anxiety and bi-polar disorder. I have looked into Epstein-Bar Virus, PTSD, Anemia, ADHD, Thyroid, and Sleep Apnea. It is amazing how much the symptoms overlap. I'd like to know if there are other conditions that cause or mimic symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. I would be interested in doing further research.

    • ANSWER:
      of course, psych illnesses should be the last to be considered after all other med tests done.
      chronic diseases, cancers, diabetes, obesity, but the docs can misdiagnose for years. I know, took them 4 years, 3 picc lines for pseudomonas and a DNA test to prove I have Cystic Fibrosis.
      I fired the last idiot who pulled the "depression" needs cymbalta crap, got an MRI brain, shows meningioma. before the new medication, had stuttering, wt loss, forgetfulness, fatigue, muscle weakness, pains in joints/muscles, nausea, low K+, that is not depression, esp the onset and presentation and I knew it wasn't CF. depression can be misdiagnosed by apathetic docs, pt has vague sx, abd pain, or other sx, labs don't really show anything, but a disease in process, MS, lupus, ovarian cancers, neurological sx, plus all the wrong meds are Rx'd and the pt suffers until their illness is so bad it 's too late. supposedly 2% of the pop has depression, but the way they'd have you think, everyone is depressed clinically. see www.effexor.com phases of depression,

47. QUESTION:
    What diagnostic tests should I ask my doctor to do to determine cause of my tiredness and sleep difficulties?
    I am 43 year old male, and am feeling overall poorly. I am strong and all that, but I just feel weak and tired, and I have difficulty getting good sleep. I recently was diagnosed with sleep apnea and am using the CPAP machine, but I still wake up tired and cant maintain my sleep through the night. I still drag through the day with tiredness, weakness, and depression. A friend suggested a series of tests his naturepathic doctor took him through including hormone levels check, hair, and spittle test...but he didnt know what the other tests available to determine chemistry and nutritional deficiencys might be. Wondering if anyone could advise me on what tests to have my doctor adminster.

    • ANSWER:
      Sleeping 02 sats - your blood oxygen level while sleeping. It needs to be mid-to-high 90s or you wake fatigued, have anaerobic metab and are setting yourself up for cancer.

48. QUESTION:
    Constantly feel groggy all day?...maybe sleep apnea?
    I am calling my doctor tomorrow to make an appointment so you all don't need to tell me to do so. I am just asking this started last week on Thursday. I took some sleeping pills because of my insomnia I have not been drinking alcohol and Thursday I woke up feeling groggy ok normal I have a toddler that likes to climb into bed with me in the middle of the night without me waking up and I also have slightly high blood pressure and I am obese. I stopped taking the sleeping pills for Friday night to see if I was just feeling groggy from that nope the same perpetual grogginess came back and has been again and again no matter how little or how much sleep I get and always groggy all day. I don't feel like I am having trouble breathing at night and I just started two days ago (tonight will be my third night) an antidepressant called Remeron (Mirtazapine) for my depression (I have bipolar disorder). Could this be a sure sign or symptom of sleep apnea? Or something else I had vertigo last year in december and it does not feel like that just hard to keep my eyes open, sleepy, groggy more groggy than sleepy, blurred vision, higher irritability etc. Thoughts anyone?

    • ANSWER:
      go to the doctor....get it checked out

49. QUESTION:
    Sleeping disorder? Sleep apnea?
    I feel much better at night than during the day. I have very, very extreme depression in general but at night, my thought process it much clearer and positive(compared to day). I find it easier to exercise, work, eat, ect. I also have mild sleep apnea with about 15 AHI. I've trained myself to sleep at night and get up at about 8am but it never felt natural to me.
    Is there a name for this condition? Should I just buy a coffin and start drinking blood?
    I have been trying to use a Cpap machine for about a year with no success. I always rip it off in the middle of the night without remembering.

    • ANSWER:
      Interesting case. I need to know if you use a cpap machine at night as this would help your sleep apnea, depression, and daytime blues. Let me know.

50. QUESTION:
    I have Sleep Apnea (both obstructive and central -700-900 episodes a nite) 02/09. I use both an oxygenation(4?
    I have Sleep Apnea (both obstructive and central -700-900 episodes a nite) 02/09. I use both an oxygenation(4.0) and bipap machine. 2 weeks ago I was diagnosed with T2 diabetes (taking Metformin 500mg 4 a day). I'm testing my glucose level several times a day to establish a pattern. I'm watching my diet, but my readings are all over the place, anywhere from 178 to HIGH (over 499). understandable since I am testing frequently; after waking, eating, before/after naps, before sleeping,etc. I use the 'testing solution" occassionally to make sure I'm doing it correctly and to insure the strips and lancets are still OK. I should mention I also have very low testost (Androgel), chronic pain (arthritis & back pain (Oxycontin) acid reflux (Omeprazole) enlarged prostate (terazosin) severe (Suprise!) depression (Fluoxetine)ADHD (Adderall) to top it off - possible contact w/ "Agent Orange" insurance & VA BAD! HELP!!
    I'm sorry - the above is soooo long - and now I'm adding to it! LOL - I forgot to mention, I'm a 61 year old male, 5'9" and weigh 158 - so I'm not over weight.

    Thanks for any help you are able to offer
    Bob

    • ANSWER:
      It looks like your main question is related to you high blood sugars even though you are on Metformin for your Type 2 Diabetes. Sometimes it takes weeks to months to regulate your blood sugar with medicines after being diagnosed because medications are started one at a time and dosages are increased slowly over time as well to reach maximum effect without causing side effects or causing your blood sugar to drop too low. Basically, you are at the very beginning of type 2 diabetes treatment so continue to check and chart your blood sugar regularly and continue to eat right and exercise. You should have another doctor's visit coming up soon so that they can see how you are doing with your high blood sugar. At that time, they could change your diabetes medication or add another one. It is common to need more than one diabetes medication to control high blood sugars. Just continue to take your meds and keep up with recording your blood sugars and they will eventually get you on the right medications with the right dosages to treat your diabetes.
      I am also posting a informative website that may help you understand why it can be difficult to find the perfect diabetes medication right at the beginning. It goes over all of the meds.

      http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diabetes-treatment/DA00089