Could it be sleep apnea?

I've been suffering from poor sleep that has been getting worse for 3 years. I originally put it down to stressful events in my life and made significant changes to improve it. I'm now 6 months into a life that is almost totally stress free and have followed every single advice for a good night sleep but it is actually getting worse.

I have around 7:30 of sleep a night (excluding waking time) and yet still wake up each morning feeling as if I've been in a washing machine all night, lightheaded, fuzziness, totally drained and with terrible tinnitus and pins and needles in my hands at its worse and sometimes even issues with my sight. I've gone from going to bed at 10pm to 9pm and now 8pm because I am so totally exhausted. I don't remember what it feels like to feel constantly knackered. I however can never fall asleep during the day no matter how totally exhausted I feel.

I had many blood tests, referrals to a cardiologist, ENT, ophtalmologist, clear mri and nothing to explain my chronic fatigue, increasing difficulty concentrating and neurological manifestations.

The thing is I'm not overweight, don't have a thick neck and don't snore (at least never been told that I do). I exercise daily (although can't do what I used to). I also suffer from very low heart rate and blood pressure at night whereas I believe the opposite is more likely associated with sleep apnea. I do suffer from dustmite allergies and been taking antihistamine tablets for 20 years but it's been mainly controlled. Saying that, I've had a cold this week and despite again sleeping almost 8 hours with only a couple of wakeness lasting no more than 10 mns, I've woken up each morning worse than ever, hence starting to question if it could be an issue?

Is it worth investigating or totally unlikely with my presentation? Thanks

The starting point in screening for sleep apnea is completing a questionnaire. An example is at this link. Not having a large neck, no snoring, and not overweight will make you score lower in the test, but it is a start.

You do not sound like the typical candidate for obstructive sleep apnea. Those who are not overweight, and younger can still suffer from central apnea which is when the body simply breathes too lightly or not at all. The airway is not blocked (obstructive), but you are still not breathing and oxygen levels in the blood desaturate. The only way to check for it is a sleep study. It can be done at home, or in your case with no obvious obstructive issues, it may be better to have one done in a sleep lab where they can monitor more variables and give you a better diagnosis.

Something to discuss with your doctor...

Hi Wheresmorpheus

It's a difficult and frustrating situation to be in because the harder you try to find answers the more likely you are to acquire the wrong labels.

It might be worth recording your sleep with your phone or some similar device.

Voice activated phone app

You can also do a home sleep study through your local pharmacy in many countries.

Thank you for getting back to me. Indeed, I don't meet the standard presentation and that's the reason why I havent even considered it until now.

However, I've read that some réas each have shown a link between menopause and sleep apnea and my issue started around the same time. I also read that although rarer, it is not totally uncommon to have women suffering from it around that age without being overweight and snoring.

One thing Ive remembered is that I regularly wake up at night from a jolt with my heartrate up and respiration faster. I always assumed that was because I was waking up from an emotive dream but could this be a, sign?

I will go and see my doctor and ask for a referral to a sleep study.

The overweight, white male with a thick neck is not the criteria for sleep apnea. Time and tests have shown too many healthy women that are not overweight being diagnosed with sleep apnea. It's a shame that people are still thinking that they don't have sleep apnea based on the old standard. Often times waking up like that is a sign that you need oxygen, either because your airway is obstructed or because your breathing has become very shallow. This may not be your issue but going to see a doctor about it is a wise move.

Wheresmorpheous, yes, small, thin people can have sleep apnea. After months of cardiac testing, without finding the cause of the problem, a sleep test was ordered. I have mild SA (AHI 8), but it was enough to destroy my concentration and make my heart act up. Treatment has been successful.

Hey, Y'all. I'm on day 26 of my Resmed Aircurve 10 S BIPAP with 3rd mask trial, a DreamWear full face w/nose pillow & mouth covering( I like mask). Pushing Dr. to give me an AUTO version of Resmed. I had 2 sleep lab tests. Dr. monitors my results via wifi.

Ran across this device GO2SLEEP: AI-Powered Device For Restful Sleep on PCWorld: https://shop.pcworld.com/sales/go2sleep-ai-powered-device-for-restful-sleep?utm_source=pcworld.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=go2sleep-ai-powered-device-for-restful-sleep_020519&utm_term=scsf-317065&utm_content=a0x1P000004fpQg&scsonar=1

$69 - 6.90 (1st time order discount) +$2.99(shipping) = $65.09 (Price ending in 2 days.) So I ordered 1 from them for Mar 7 delivery. Amazon offers same device for $129. It reports data on smart phone app. Multiple users, so you can share with family and friends that have sleep issues. (You will gain many new friends!) (Hey, might be a great pickup line in bars or online dating. LOL) Remember approx 80% of AP goes undiagnosed. Among many outputs it reports oxygen in blood also, WHICH I WANT TO KNOW. Take a look. Site says it EXPIRES IN 2 DAYS.

Can't give you any results until March 7+. All sales final. I have no connection to this product, but gonna take a chance!

Jeff...Houston

My mom was tall and skinny weighing just over 100 lbs. I think that many of her issues came from undiagnosed sleep apnea. She finally got a C-Pap machine and used it 3 months before she passed away. Don't delay in getting tested. You want to be in the "I'm glad I did camp" vs. the "I wish I had camp". No harm done if you are tested and don't have sleep apnea. That will be just one more possibility eliminated.