I stop breathing in my sleep 70 times an hour.

[kevyn]

Just got back from meeting with my sleep doctor, to go over the results of last week's sleep study (which I think I neglected to blog about).

Turns out, I stop breathing an average of about 70 times an hour when I am asleep, in all sleeping positions.

More than 30 times an hour is considered severe sleep apnea. I'm WAAAAAAAAY beyond severe -- the doc called it "super-severe," and insisted that I come in tomorrow night for an emergency sleep study with a CPAP.

70 times an hour? That's more than once a minute! ("Stop breathing" is defined as not breathing for more than 3 seconds).

No wonder I am always tired, depressed, moody, unstable, unable to focus, unable to complete tasks, overweight and suffering from heart problems! It seems that this may be one of the key factors in all of my health problems.

Here's hoping that the CPAP works.

Comments

[djmadadam.livejournal.com]

I never had an offical sleep study, but neither my doctor nor my health insurance at the time needed any more evidence than what I was reporting, what had collectively been reported to me. I would frequently snore loudly, stop breathing and sometimes gasp. I had persistent headaches and fatigue and I was often irritable. Plus, my dad is an awful snorer and also gasps in his sleep.

Now 1 year and almost 4 months on a CPAP and I can say that I haven't slept more soundly since I can recall.

I hope you find relief soon.

[kevynjacobs.livejournal.com]

Thanks. I hope so too.