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I’ve been using CPAP for two months but I still wake up shattered every morning.
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- Tagged: Sleepiness
- Status: Open
If you are still sleepy despite CPAP treatment, make sure you are actually spending enough time asleep. It has been shown that six or more hours of sleep with CPAP per night is required for maximal benefits, but you may need even more than this.
If your circumstances have changed, for example you have gained weight, your CPAP pressure may not be sufficient. This can lead to a return of daytime sleepiness. Book a visit to your sleep centre – a sleep specialist can increase your prescription pressure if you are using a fixed pressure machine, or your minimum pressure if using an auto-titrating PAP.
You could also ask your sleep specialist to check for leaks from the sides of your mask, as you may need a different size or style. Your sleep centre may ask you to wear overnight oximetry while using CPAP to check you are getting the most out of your therapy.
Research estimates that 10% of people have sleepiness that is resistant to CPAP, despite optimal therapy. There could be a different reason for your sleepiness, such as depression or heart disease. Alternatively you may be drowsy due to the side effects of medication.
If there is still no obvious reason for your sleepiness you may be offered semi- or full polysomnography, where your sleep is monitored in a sleep centre. You will be asked to wear several sensors on your body and head to assess your breathing and check whether you are progressing through the sleep cycle as normal. Depending upon your results you may be offered an alternative treatment.