Sleep Apnea and Insomnia is Ruining my Life . . .?

Question

I have severe obstructive sleep apnea. And I've had two surgeries to try to correct this problem in the past year with little success. I've had my upper and lower jaw broken and moved forward, and my tonsils removed all within a year. I'm not overweight and I eat a very healthy diet with almost no caffeine. I've had no improvement with the CPAP machine (which in my opinion is always leaking and waking me up) and have tried 4 different masks so far. After my last surgery, while in the hospital recovering I had continued apnea episodes. Plus, having insomnia has got me so sleep deprived I can't think straight. I'm scared of getting into relationships because of being tired all the time, and I even blame myself for missing out on most of my son's life due to this. I'm depressed, can't work anymore and don't know what to do? My doctor will not prescribe a sleep medicine for me probably due to the apnea.

Answer 1

Wow, I would've really checked into those surgeries before I did anything. Why a doctor would think breaking your jaw would help is beyond me. I have heard of a pallete surgery that works for some, that makes more sense since your soft pallete has something to do with the problem. Tonsils have nothing to do with it either.

I suggest two things; get another doctor and research the pallete surgery thoroughly. Don't sleep on your back, but on your sides, train yourself to sleep that way, I have and I have a very mild form of apnea.

You should also find a Sleep Center that specializes in this disorder. Also, go to a naturopath to see what natural suppliments can help you sleep that won't be a problem for the apnea. Good luck, hang in there, and make wise decisions based on your gut and proof that it works.

Answer 2

Man O Day! I feel for you! Try reading in bed. Maybe you will sneak into a dose, and get a little sleep. I know what you mean about lack of sleep, it can mess you up. Try watching TV, and maybe you will dose off. Get a heating pad and put it on low, and maybe the heat will comfort you, and you may sleep a little. Also make a rice bag,(look up Rice Bag on a Search engine, and it will tell you how to make one). Heat can be a comfort. Then see if you can find a good holistic doctor, he may have some natural answers instead of drugs that may help. At least one of these suggestions may help you. Good Luck! :) arum

Answer 3

The problem is there is nothing wrong with you, and the adults in your life can't seem to recognize that. Your a teenager, and teenagers need more sleep than adults: typically 9 to 10 hours a day. Teenagers also typically sleep through the late morning. Adults sleep at night. One of the major problems with our society is that we are forcing our kids to get up at extremely early hours in the morning and to go to school, when they should be sleeping. Our kids aren't learning because their bodies naturally want to be asleep, and we are making them unhealthy because they arn't getting enough sleep. Unfortunatly, your options are limited. You can talk to your doctor about seeing a specialist, and try to convince your parents and teachers that sleep is important, and that your only doing what your biological nature wants you to do. But the principal isn't going to change the start time of your school just because it is healthier for the students. You can also go to bed at the same time every night (including weekends,) and wake up at the same time every morning. At first it will be difficult because you wont be used to going to bed early. Don't sleep in during the weekends. It is important that you get used to a regulare schedule, and if you sleep in or stay up late you will mess that up. Get at least 9 hours of sleep every night and turn off the tv and the computer at least an hour before bed. Also, an hour before your bed time, turn down the lights, so your body thinks it is night and you will get sleepy. Once you establish a regular sleep schedule you will find it easier gettng up in the morning.

Answer 4

Sorry to see all this ; as I am not a medical practitioner, and living in Greece, the only piece of advice would be this: get in touch with a Dianetics foundation near by so they can send you some qualified person for assists.-

Ciao.........John-John.

Answer 5

This has helped me: http://www.britishsnoring.co.uk/shop/mouth_breathing_devices/somni_snoreguard.php?PHPSESSID=7423b9d9c45b41f35308e1e83644f8e8
Make sure you watch the video and see how simple it is to use.

Answer 6

HAS ANY DR. ADVISED YOU TO GET AN MRI OF THE HEAD AND NECK WITH CONTRAST? IF NOT, MAYBE YOU SHOULD INQUIRE. THE NEXT STEP IS TO SEE A NEUROLOGIST! PLEASE LET US KNOW THE OUTCOME OF YOU NEXT DECISION.