Cpap Machine/ Insomnia

[mrb]

Wondering if anyone has used a CPAP machine to help with INSOMNIA. I know people that use it for sleep apena, and I also heard it has been given for insomnia.I heard this can possibly help. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[Vync]

Pete's recommendation to get a sleep study is a great idea. It is a very scientific approach as it involves a number of surveys, measurements, and takes constant readings while you sleep (or try to sleep).

This might sound unusual, but another option is to visit an audiologist. Part of my problem sleeping was the high-pitched whirring sound I hear all the time. When I went to bed, the sound would get louder because all the background sounds would be more quiet. It was not unusual for me to still be awake at 2am. I did not recognize what it was until I read about it on Hadit. I had a sleep study and they found some minor aspects of the problem. I then visited an audiologist. Between the two, the audiologist's findings were spot on for tinnitus and they shipped me a small sound generator machine. I still have issues sleeping for different reasons, but thanks to the machine the tinnitus issues are not as bad as before. The machine is not a cheap one you would find at a chain bedding and bath store or late night tv. This one had a bunch of settings and also a portable battery pack.

[sawgunner]

Vync.

The VA sent me the same machine.

[BrookH]

MRB,

Yes insomnia CAN be a secondary condition for OSA a long with many other medical conditions or on its own. Insomnia is not tied to OSA in any means, but it would be who of you to get a sleep study before you get pulmonary hypertension. There are many doctors on this board but your PCM will be your best bet! My sleep study doctor did diagnosis me with OSA and insomnia......however, I had insomnia years before I was ever diagnosed with OSA.

Your mind controls a lot of things.......reading a book, warm milk, a long bath, yoga, breathing exercises all could solve your insomnia and we can go on and on ............but if you are diagnosed with insomnia and no sleep apnea you WILL NOT get a CPAP at least not for the sleep doctor.

Brook

Insomnia is usally a secondery condition, my case is arm pain. I read on the pebforum that a guy was given a cpap machine for insomnia not sleep apnea. Im still doing some research. Probably more to the story. I know that sleep pills are given for insomnia, trying to find out if the cpap machine will do some good. It would not hurt to try. Im just going to set up appt with a sleep specialist.

Edited June 23, 2011 by BrookH

[john6012]

I have a CPAP machine for OSA and it doesn't work because I also have RLS medicated under control, HTN, insomnia, arthritis of both shoulders and tinnitus that keeps me awake or wakes me after I go to sleep. I keep the CPAP machine on all night and wake up exhausted. I had depression during my military service in 1984 but never sought treatment do to the stigma. I've been miserable for years, motivation is down and frankly I feel like I'm a mess. I'm on 100% IU and want to get the insomnia and inability to sleep SC but feel as though it'll be an uphill battle. Beside, anytime one opens their case there is the chance that one will be downgraded especially in today's eonomic climate. Who knows what the VA is going to do to cut expenses. Even if the aforementioned medical problems are considered to be SC I still won't be at 100% due to the fuzzy math. Cutrrently I'm 70% adn you add the 50% for Sleep Apnea and it totals a little over 802% if I'm not mistaken. The HTN is SC as is the arthritis and tinnutis but...

[Pete53]

It took me a while to get used to CPAP but once you do you will be glad. Some do it right off the bat but others struggle. Having panic attacks does not help either but I can say right now that I use mine on a regular basis. A side benefit is the filters really help me and my allergies.

[BrookH]

John6012,

Do you see a VA or Civ sleep doctor? Maybe they can do another sleep study to see if your CPAP pressure needs to be adjusted. Not sure of the CPAP but some have different pressure exhaust which will help with using. Your health should trump any amount of money the VA could give you, however, it is nice to be compensated. Also some of the CPAP's have software that goes with them that you can see if you are still having apnea's and leaks with your machine. I would talk with the PCM about your ongoing pain, fatigue and your 100% compliance of the CPAP. Do you see a VA Counselor, if not you might try to address some of the insomnia issues with them and to work on your sleep. It is a battle to get everything straight, but take one thing at a time and you can get there.

I have a CPAP machine for OSA and it doesn't work because I also have RLS medicated under control, HTN, insomnia, arthritis of both shoulders and tinnitus that keeps me awake or wakes me after I go to sleep. I keep the CPAP machine on all night and wake up exhausted. I had depression during my military service in 1984 but never sought treatment do to the stigma. I've been miserable for years, motivation is down and frankly I feel like I'm a mess. I'm on 100% IU and want to get the insomnia and inability to sleep SC but feel as though it'll be an uphill battle. Beside, anytime one opens their case there is the chance that one will be downgraded especially in today's eonomic climate. Who knows what the VA is going to do to cut expenses. Even if the aforementioned medical problems are considered to be SC I still won't be at 100% due to the fuzzy math. Cutrrently I'm 70% adn you add the 50% for Sleep Apnea and it totals a little over 802% if I'm not mistaken. The HTN is SC as is the arthritis and tinnutis but...