Sleep Test Results

I recently underwent an overnight sleep study, since I suspected sleep apnea that might have contributed to my nighttime 'crash and burn' episodes, caused by blood and oxygen deprivation.

I met with the sleep doc today to go over results. Yes, I had 15 interruptions in my sleep and snored 'moderately'. He said this was normal, and that my RDI (respiratory disturbance index) was about 2.5. They consider anything over about 5 to be problematic, necessitating intervention (CPAP, Meds, kick in the ribs or clubbing with a Louisville Slugger, etc). According the the doc, (who was one of the better doctors with whom I have had the pleasure of working), they look for more than 40 incidents over an 8 hour period, or more than 5 per hour before they feel it is problematic.

My oxygen levels stayed stable throughout the night, with very minor drops while I was doing my foghorn-tuba impression during REM sleep, Speaking of which, I had more than adequate REM sleep. He said there was absolutely nothing to indicate sleep apnea related low oxygen levels that may have contributed to my issues. I did have slightly elevated leg twitching and movement (restless leg syndrome, or RLS), but even that was not a problem.

I wanted to check this out because I know a lot of PM folks have sleep apnea. I honestly thought I did too, and was concerned it may have been the straw that broke the camel's back, was a trigger, or whatever. But, apparently not. It seems all my episodes are are related to SSS, Dysautonomia and sinus arrest. My PM is handling that. Just wanted to share my experience in case it might be of benefit to others.

Now, I have to buy earplugs for my wife and hide the Louisville Slugger!

3 Comments

I have sleep apnea

by Theknotguy - 2013-12-03 11:12:30

I have sleep apnea and had to get a CPAP. Which is a lot better than a BPAP. Idea being the CPAP helps prevent me from blowing an an aneurysm or having a stroke. It's all related to the heart issues. I have OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) and I was straining so hard to get air that I could have easily had a heart attack. Anyway...

You may still develop sleep apnea sometime in the future so it's good to be on the lookout. Even though the doc says you're below the levels at which he starts getting excited, you may be above the levels at which you are comfortable. You have the RLS which is a problem.

You may want to look into some of the mouth devices that will help prevent snoring. Two things from these devices - 1) your partner will be able to sleep with you - which if you're a guy like me - is important. 2) It may help with your sleeping.

Another thing is the mouth device may help with the RLS. My Dad had apnea really bad and refused to get help. He also had bad RLS. I've noticed I don't have RLS and I attribute that to having the CPAP - increased levels of O2.

Anything that will help you and your partner to get sleep will help overall with the partner situation. That, in turn, will help with the sleep and rest. If your partner has to start moving to another room to get sleep that's a big problem too.

I'm glad you got a good report for now, but I'd still stay on the lookout. It seems to me you may be on the edge of problem sleep apnea and I'd err on the side of caution. I can't tell you how much better I felt after I was able to get the sleep apnea treated. Because I had the sleep apnea treated when the heart problems happened I was in a much better position to survive.

If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact me through this website.

I wish you the best.

Theknotguy


Thanks for posting this

by Harrie - 2013-12-04 04:12:34

I've been advised by the cardio to have follow up for apnea because of overwhelming tiredness In the early afternoon. I have a Fitbit activity tracker which shows I'm averaging about 41/2 hrs sleep with frequent periods of restlessness, but it has limited accuracy because it relies purely on movement. Sometimes I'm awake but very still, and it doesn't show that I'm awake.
I've seen a new device about to be released called Beddit. It's made by a Finnish company I think, which has been making sleep tracking devices for the medical industry for some time and has branched out into the consumer market.
You don't wear it - it goes under the sheet and records respiration, snoring, heart rate etc. No substitute for a full- blown sleep study but .... $155 from Amazon.

Glad you posted this

by KAG - 2013-12-04 10:12:51

I'm going to see a sleep Dr in a few weeks to get checked out. I don't know that I have a problem but after talking it over with my primary Dr we both decided it would be a good idea to find out one way or another. I understand that there are many problems sleep apnea can cause or make worse. Seems like this would, or should, be a wellness test to head off other complications. Maybe someday when the medical system does more preventative rather than crisis treatments. I think we're beginning that process in the US but it's going to be a huge mind set change for both patients and medical staff.

Kathy

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