Ptsd And Sleep Apnea

[Isaac]

Hi:

Any thoughts and experiences with Sleep Apnea and PTSD? I recently went to a sleep clinic and was connected to the matrix through thousands of wires and told to go to sleep Afterwards, I was told that I basically wake up about 10-12 times an hour. I just got CPAT machine and I think after about a week of getting used to the contraption I am sleeping a bit better; like 3-4 hours straight which is good for me. This morning (for about 5 minutes) I actually awoke feeling pretty clear headed and alive BUT, I felt like something was lurking atop the crown of my head. Before I knew it I was feeling anxious and spaced again.
Also, I just had a gut feeling that somehow my Apnea is a reaction to PTSD. I know there is a correlation between depression and Apnea; but maybe Apnea is a defense mechanism that we somehow use to prevent us from thinking clearly and being aware. Sort of like the disassociation article I read at the forum pages of this w/s. Also, I am pretty sure with Apnea you are unable to get to REM sleep and therefore not have night terrors. I know I never slept well. Even as a young kid I was up in the middle of the night wandering about. I just experienced a few nasty flashbacks involving my biological father that included incredible fears that he would kill my brothers and I while we slept. My brothers have Apnea as well. Could this be related to PTSD or I am just searching for something that is not there and Apnea is just a genetic issue. I was just diagnosed with PTSD so I am just searching for answers and clarity. Any other experiences and thoughts about this would be insightful and helpful. Thanks.

 

[blwnawy]

This is something I've pondered too. I've been going through a similar thing.
I only lasted one night with the CPAP but. Felt it to confining on my face.
Bit of a catch 22 really for me. I've found the tireder I get the worse the Apena & the PTSD symptoms.
That point you made,

Also, I am pretty sure with Apnea you are unable to get to REM sleep and therefore not have night terrors.

is interesting.
May explain why my night terra's/nightmares fluctuate, I'd aways just only attributed it to daily stress & how tired I was which put like that would only be partly true. Makes sense, worth following up.
My Apnea became apparent previous to my PTSD (accident related).
I was already in the public system for treatment, snored that much my wife moved to the spare room 3 years ago.
Did the sleep studies, tried the CPAP, was put on the waiting list (2yrs) for a Ear Nose & Throat Surgeon to perform a Septoplasty (basically- straighten nose, cut away excess tissue internally, open nostrils by reaming/grinding away the bone).
Kept up with the idea even after the PTSD kicked in anything to help get more sleep. Had a year to get used to the idea, just have to hold it together till they put me under least I'd be getting some sleep right...mmm:rolleyes:.
They knew my concerns having PTSD couldn't have treated me better, wife was with me until I went in. The procedure was only ment to take 1/2 hr took 4. Coming out of the anaesthetic was the worst bit. Every-time I'd start coming round I kept trying to drag everything off my face, oxygen mask, nose brace etc & run. Bit embarrassed at the time, :D funny thinking back on it.
Don't know that I'd do it again.
What they didn't tell me was the mess afterward bleeding etc. I thought a couple of weeks after it'd be all healed:rolleyes:.
Having to flush with a saline solution twice aday, 6 months down the track it's fully healed but only just.
I can say that I definitely breath better through my nose & the snoring has officially (wife) reduced.
The up side is that I did feel the advantage to begin with, slightly better sleep. The down side is life pressures because of the PTSD & the symptoms I really don't feel any improvement now down the track.
The tiredness has I feel engulfed it unfortunately.

 

[Isaac]

Hi:

Thanks for responding.
Sorry to hear about the complications with the surgery. My brother had similiar experiences.
Well, so much for the CPAT helping me sleep. It is 3:15 AM here and I am jumping out of my skin.
I do not think the CPAT machine helps you sleep when your anxiety level is off the charts. Checking out the anxiety forum now looking for help. Stay connected. Thanks.

 

[Nighteyes]

A few things here,
Apnea is 100% physiologic. its when the airway relaxes and the pressure gradients created by insperation case the airway to occlude. Either by the displacement of the tounge or by to much waight on the throut or other anitomical abnormalities. Central sleep apnea is a condition that is neralogical...
your Sleep apnea is not caused by PTSD, but it would directly effect your sypmtoms and triggers to PTSD. By having sleep apnea you are usually sleep deprived, either by not being able to sleep or by not staying in a deep enough sleep to rest. This in its self can cause ppl to start suffering form depression and anxiaty. so add PTSD and Apnea can lead to increased triggers, irratibility and depression.
It takes time to be comfertable with the CPAP machine, some people take to them easly others months to adjust.
There is many options for comfort as well. If the mask/prongs/full mask arent working for you talk to your provider about it... its importent to control the sleep apnea, in which you can then focus on treating the PTSD...
Insomnia ans sleep problems come with PTSD but adding Sleep apnea...thats a major mixfor complications with PTSD..
As for anxiaty...that I cant help as I am a high allert person myself.