Tired and depressed after seven days of treatment

by Alexis
(Peterborough, ON)

I feel more tiredness and depression after using sleep apnea treatment for 7 days, though i feel i'm getting a good sleep.

I'm told this should pass within a month or so. I certainly hope so.

I don't mind wearing the mask, but I feel so tired, depressed and crying, moreso since I started using cpap sleep apnea treatment.

Answer

You are just beginning the treatment for sleep apnea and not everyone has a smooth and easy go at this right from the start.

In fact, there are many CPAPusers asking about how long to wait for CPAP to feel the benefits.

In your CPAP therapy you have to be aware of couple of things, such as:

• you need to get a mask that fits you and that does not leak.


• it will be great if you have a data capable CPAP machine. You can have an idea of how your body is handling whatever pressure your machine is on.


• do you receive enough oxygen when you sleep? If not, your CPAP settings could be an issue. Furthermore, some people take their mask off during sleep, or they go back to sleep while not using the machine. This also can contribute to low blood oxygen levels.
  
  Using an portable pulse oximeter can help you monitor your oxygen levels.
  
  And another thing...is important to use the CPAP machine every time you sleep, even for naps.


• why it takes some time to recover with CPAP? Once you get your machine and mask issues fine tuned, your body will probably need time to make up for the sleep and oxygen deprivation of the past.
  
  So I bet you can get to the rested and feeling better stage in the near future, if your CPAP settings and the mask are really working for you.


• one important thing that new CPAP patients are not well prepared by doctors is that almost 10% of CPAP users may experience depression after starting the therapy, because they were expecting sudden miracles.


For many of us, it takes months of steady usage for beginning to feel even some benefits, and as a guide line you need to give it at least 4 to 6 months.


• another thing...if you're using a nasal mask or nasal pillows, check if you sleep with your mouth open. All the "good" air is lost through the mouth, so you may need a full face mask that allow you to open your mouth and still get the benefit of the treatment.

I hope it helps. Don't be afraid to comment back.

Remy Thierry
Founder of Sleep Apnea Guide

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