Last week I saw my sleep doctor where we talked about my sleep apnea. It was not good. The results I will keep to myself, but basically, it means that my sleep apnea, which I knew was terrible got worse over the last few years. I never got to the rim sleep that night, and it is most likely the cause of my increased depression, panic disorder, and social anxiety.
Sleep has always been an issue in my life since I was a young kid. I can’t remember a time when I truly got a good nights sleep. Sure I get so tired that occasionally I will sleep okay for a few hours a night, but I wake up regularly, and it sucks because there is a chance that the root of all my mental health issues is sleep. Sleep apnea is no joke as I have found out over the last week.
So tonight I go for my second sleep study this time they will connect me to a sleep apnea machine. For those who have never gone through a sleep study, the nurse hooks you up with a ton of wires all over your head, neck, and legs. It’s a very long process, and it makes it harder to sleep.
This is not the first time that I have done these tests and got a sleep apnea machine. I had issues with the mask, and eventually, my insurance decided that they would not pay for something that I was not using. Since the masks have improved and I am hopeful that tonight’s sleep study that things will work out better and I will finally be able to conquer this insomnia thing.
Part of this process will lead to my therapist helping work on my panic disorder, and I think overall, it will really help me get better. Depression, panic disorder and social anxiety along with insomnia have been kicking my butt lately, and I want the next five months to be the catalyst to finally finding myself and be in a better place with my mental health.
Always Keep Fighting
James
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The Bipolar Writer Mental Health Blog 
CPAPs aren’t fun or sexy or glamourous, but I’d seriously maim anyone who tried to take mine away from me. I still have depression and PTSD and stress due to life’s circumstances, but I shudder to think how much worse it would be without my CPAP. And, yes, the masks are continuously getting better.
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That’s good to hear success. I know it’s not a cure all but it will help me sleep which makes everything better.
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I went to a sleep study a year ago…it was so uncomfortable. My regular doctor told me it could be my anxiety that I don’t sleep at night. I always wake up 3 times in the middle of the night. Its so exhausting🤦🏾♀️
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I am the same way. I have not done a sleep study though.
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You might talk to your doctor.
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I have. We tried magnesium and less caffeine. It helps but I still dont sleep well. I am going to see what else she can reccomend.
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It is very exhausting when your anxious at night. The sleep study was okay and I got some sleep but trying to study someone when their not in their natural habitat is not fun.
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Yea I agree, its really not fun. My regular doctor prescribed me with medication for my anxiety. It does help me sleep most through out the night.
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Crossing my fingers for you that they will find a way to help you.
I think we haven’t studied sleep and insomnia enough, and I suspect there can be a whole host of reasons for why someone might not be able to fall asleep and stay asleep that haven’t been identified or fully studied. Everything from our stress response system to breathing abnormalities to allergies to unidentified environmental hazards to stress to family life to not having a 24 hour circadian rhythm, etc. etc. Sometimes the interplay is so complex it becomes a chicken or the egg question.
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I also suffer from sleep apnea, insomnia, and restless leg syndrome. Along with my mental issues and I’ve come to realize that when I am sleep deprived my conditions seem to become worse. I wish you the best of luck with your journey.
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It’s been challenging for me, but I have forced myself into a routine every night. At 10:30PM I force myself to go to bed. Sometimes I stray but 80% of the time Im successful. I dont always fall asleep right away, and I wake WICKED early but I’ve kind of built a routine around, its helped. Good luck man, lack of sleep sucks !
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I hope you can find something that will help. My dad has got sleep apnea and it’s terrifying xxx
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Yes. I stopped breathing a lot during my first sleep study and it was not good at all.
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Hope the second one went ok and they can help you xxx
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The second one was okay. Had some issues now I have to wait for my doctors visit to get my machine.
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I’m wishing you the best, I’m sure your doctors are going to find a way to help!
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Sending you warm love and prayers …. hoping sleep will come sweeter through the coming months ….. thank you very much for helping me understand more ….. will share with my family and friends ….. please take care ❤️🙏
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I wish you healing James. Stay!
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There is a difference with the machine if you have moderate to bad sleep apnea and you will be able to tell. It is not fun go wear, but does make you feel more refreshed in the morning.
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It will be good. I am still a week and a half from seeing my doctor to get the prescription for the machine. But it will make all the difference in the world.
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