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Two Phase Sleep Pattern
After 15 years using a CPAP for OSA, I stopped using the machine about a year ago. I was only able to use it for 3 to 4 hours per night as other conditions caused me to wake up and I couldn't get back to sleep using the CPAP - way to uncomfortable. I took matters into my own hands (please don't judge) and using my Tracker, which records sleep activity and heart beats plus occasionally a oximeter, I am able to record and analyze my sleep to see if I am having any OSA events during sleep. Due to osteoarthritis, Spondylithosis at L4, and fibromyalgia, I cannot sleep longer than 4 or 5 hours per night. Since I have been retired for 4 years, I am able to spend 3 hours actively involved in reading the newspaper, watching TV news, surfing the web, and writing. I then return to bed to sleep another 2 to 3 hours so that I average 7 to 8 hours of sleep. I have trained my body to sleep on my right side and rarely move from this position. I wake after sleep in the same position. This, I believe, reduces the possibility of an OSA sleep event that would occur if I slept on my back. The 2 phase sleep was quite common in the days before electricity and the light bulb. We have gotten away from it because we can stay awake longer involved in activities using light. I have found that I feel more refreshed after my second sleep and am good to go for 12 to 14 hours in the day. The only drawback is if there is another person in the family who sleeps late and is awake during my second sleep session. However, a routine can be created that works for everyone. Just don't expect to see me out and about until after 12 noon.
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@sandytoes 14. The night terrors would be terrible! I feel for you. Doctors would give me anything for sleep, because for a period of time I was falling a lot. We will keep pushing on,won't we?
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3 ReactionsHi, @hosta -- that is interesting -- and it makes sense -- that you felt you fit the profile as you read the mayoclinic.org information on central apnea. Did you by chance see the Diagnosis and Treatment page, https://mayocl.in/2xaZSru, where supplemental oxygen is listed as one treatment for this condition?
As a non-medical professional, I don't have further information for you on the precise way in which oxygen helps with central apnea. I am, however, inviting two of our Connect volunteer mentors who have more knowledge and experience with lungs (and connections to others in their Connect groups who also may have relevant experience) to this discussion to see if they may have insights on how oxygen helps with central apnea. Please meet @llwortman and @windwalker.
With the two-phase sleep pattern you have now, are you finding you need a nap in the daytime?
Hi, @hosta - You'd mentioned a few months ago you were not sleeping well at night. Wondering how your sleep is going?
@jpaul - how is your sleep going these days? Are you still following the 2-phase sleep pattern you'd mentioned?