Sleep Issues during Treatment

I took prescription sleeping pills, which were wonderful and which I so needed. What I am doing now, and this seems goofy but is working, is I have a Hypnosis CD called "Reduce Stress & Tension...and...Power Napping". Seriously, I put it on and it knocks me out! If I wake up in the middle of the night, I turn it on again and BAM, I'm back asleep. Check out www.FrederickWinters.com, only ten dollars.

edited to add that I'm sure there are other good hynosis CDs too, this is just the one I came across

If you want to try sleep aids and if generic Ambien doesn't work well for you, ask for Ambien CR; which is the original patent, it is more expensive BUT has a time released effect; it's the same formula but the generic goes into your blood stream all at once and knocks you out but doesn't necessarily keep you asleep, whereas the CR keeps releasing more whatever it is that keeps you asleep all night. I really noticed a difference between the two.

Hi! I'm a respiratory therapist. Did your sleep study say your airway was obstructing, or closing off as you sleep, and that was the cause of your apnea? It sounds like it, with the description of waking up choking and gasping for breath. You might benefit from (at least temporarily) sleeping with a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) device, which provides a small amount of air flow through a nasal 'pillow' to keep your airway open as you sleep. It sounds horribly intrusive, but is really quite comfortable, and being able to sleep well lets you sleep more deeply and longer, instead of continuously waking up gasping for breath. You may find you have much more energy during your day as well. You may find it helpful to discuss this with your doctor. Good luck!

I just have to chime in here, because I have sleep apnea and use a bi-pap machine (like a cpap but the pressure is reduced during exhalation).  It has truly changed my life! Now I would never even take a nap without using the machine, and if I travel, it's the first thing I pack.  You should have another appointment where you can go over the results of your sleep study and review your options, and I urge you to find out just what the problem is.  

I know this is especially hard to deal with when you're dealing with so much else right now, but riley's post said it all.  Best wishes to you, and do PM me if you have any questions that a "user" might help you with!

Kathy

The day I found out I had cancer, while still in the office, my husband insisted I have a sleeping pill. I started 10 mg of Ambien and it has worked great. I quit the day before surgery and didn't sleep a wink, and then took again after that. The only night I had trouble since then was the night before the post-op appointment, where I received the path report. I was a nervous wreck, had taken a pain pill AND an Ambien and didn't fall asleep until 2 am, and then almost didn't get up in time to get to appt on time. I have started taking a warm bath 1-2 hours before bed, turning off TV/computer at least an hour before, trying to dim lights when/where possible, not eating late, and not having caffeine after noon. I hope I don't have to take the Ambien for very long, because I'm not crazy about meds in general, but can't afford to lose so much sleep when I work FT. Would like to hear more suggestions!