metageek

I mentioned the sleeping on my side because of what happened at my sleep study. I pretty much sleep on my side 99% of the time. Always have. At the sleep study, though, the wires and everything had me on my back for a significant part of the time. I had way more breathing stoppages (almost an order of magnitude more) when on my back.

metageek

Been a bit since I last posted. Learned that my apnea is pretty mild (only qualifies on one of the two measurements). I do need treatment beyond just sleeping on my side.

In talking with my doctor, I made clear that the touch sensitivity is not an anxiety issue but literally a lack of becoming deadened to the sense of touch, especially on my face and head. I've experimented with wearing a head band for sleep, but I've barely managed to sleep when wearing one.

Because of this, my doctor has suggested I try out a dental appliance. I need to get a new one anyhow for some mild teeth grinding, and I have been able to adapt to wearing a mouth guard when sleeping. I know it's weird that something touching my face would bother me but a mouthpiece does not, but that's just how my sensory system is wonky. My tongue and palate just don't react as strongly to touch (which is good since it means I'm not overly bothered by different food textures).

I just need to arrange appointments to get started on getting the dental appliance. I'll need to see a specialty dentist but I also need to find a new regular dentist.

Metageek

Hi, I've just been diagnosed with obstructive sleep breathing (is apnea the same thing?). I have yet to have a follow-up with my doctor yet, but I'm greatly concerned that I'll be railroaded into using a CPAP. I know what the science says about their success, but I have a major confounding issue. I have autism and specifically have sensory overload issues with touch being a major issue. I cannot wear jewelry because of the distraction. I'm sensitive to different cotton-poly blends. I can't even pull my hair back into a ponytail at night because I constantly feel the elastic touching my scalp.

I'm just really worried that the doctor will just insist on me trying something that I know will make it super hard for me to be comfortable. I have enough ongoing anxiety that I do not need that at night or at the thought of going to bed. Heck, I'd be more likely to avoid sleeping at all costs. That's how much of an anxiety overload it is. That might actually be more reasonable given that I have other sleep issues such as circadian rhythm problems that make it super hard for my brain to turn off.

I'm beginning to feel that seeking out help with my sleep problems was a huge mistake from the start.

-- kate