Ugh... I've had diagnosed sleep apnea for the past 12 years, and sleeping with a BiPAP machine has made quite a difference to the quality of my life. Before I was diagnosed, life was pretty rough--almost as bad as the drinking days of waking up with a hangover. There were a few things that I didn't know about sleep in those days. The number-one thing that I didn't know is that consistency is the most important factor in getting good sleep.

Back then, I was in college--I started late--in my 30s. So on the nights when I didn't have classes the next day, I'd stay up to all hours--midnight or later. When I did have class in the morning I'd try to get to bed by 9 so I could get up at 5. It didn't work well. Then I complicated the situation by drinking coffee later in the day and at night. I didn't realize coffee was a problem, since I'd fall asleep right away. But by 3 am I'd be laying awake.... sometimes until it was time to get up at 5 or sometimes until I fell back to sleep and slept until 8.

Anyway, I think I picked up some bad habits again... The hot weather doesn't help, but as I sit here at 5 am and ponder my coffee consumption over the past few days, I think I know why I'm not sleeping instead of typing.

Fortunately I never think I'm "cured" when it comes to booze, but for some reason, it's different with coffee. After years of drinking tea after noon and at 12-Step meetings late in the evening, I'm back to coffee. Friday evening, coffee, then Coke at McDonald's, loaded no doubt with sugar and caffeine. Then coffee first thing yesterday (Saturday) morning. Then coffee at the place I was working, then coffee in the afternoon at a graduation party. Then coffee at the meeting last night. So now I wonder why I'm sitting here instead of sleeping? I think I have it figured out!

Oh well, too late to go back to bed now... might as well take a shower and get on with life. Laundry needs to be done again, the garden needs to be weeded again, the house needs to be vacuumed again, the dogs and rabbits need to be fed again... Hmmm.. I'm hungry too, now that I think about it. I've lost about 10 pounds without trying very had, and I don't want to spoil the trend with too much food. I grazed a bit at the party yesterday, but it was mostly on vegetables and dip.

Doppler radar is spotted with showers and t-storms, but nothing has fallen here all night. It either misses Delaware county or disintegrates before it gets here. I'll see if I can get the laundry dry and the garden weeded before the storms pick up in the heat! Did I mention that it was 68 degrees at 5 am? Sixty-eight is a pleasant daytime high, but it doesn't do much for me as an over-night low! Actually it's the humidity that's worse than the temp, but they seem to go hand-in-hand during the summer...

Ok, I'm outa here... I don't like reading long posts, so I shouldn't write them either... As always.....

Comments:

Oh speaking of CPAP, I forgot to tell everyone that Michelle no longer has sleep apnea But I still do

Coffee!!! I love coffee, I miss coffee!! When I found out I was pregnant I had to give up my two pots of coffee a day OMG my head was pounding for a week Now I am substituting milk for coffee. I hope no one can overdose on milk

comment by singlemom on July 1, 2008 8:12 AM ()

I forgot to mention that caffeine is bad for someone who is knocked up. I do not drink or eat anything with caffeine in it. Paul makes coffee in the mornings and I will take in the aroma

reply by singlemom on July 2, 2008 9:55 AM ()

reply by singlemom on July 2, 2008 6:38 AM ()

Well, if you can stomach it, it's probably safe. Did you know that we're the only species that drinks milk after we're weened? And the milk of a different species yet. Well, at least we don't have to suck it directly... oh, never mind!

reply by jjoohhnn on July 1, 2008 4:01 PM ()

Hmm, I wonder if I have a touch of sleep apnea. I always have trouble with sleep, and always have had since I can remember. Staying up til all hours is a regular routine with me. Maybe I should cut out the diet Coke, too. Very interesting post. I'm glad you talked about it.

comment by sunlight on June 29, 2008 2:18 PM ()

Well, maybe I'll have it in a couple of years!

reply by sunlight on July 1, 2008 1:30 PM ()

A touch of sleep apnea is like a touch of pregnancy: you either have it or you don't! The prime candidate for apnea is male, over 40, and overweight, but there are exceptions. I think you're on the right track with the coke and consistent bed-time.

reply by jjoohhnn on June 30, 2008 3:44 PM ()

John: It is dry here now and in the low seventies. It is heading your way!

comment by jondude on June 29, 2008 6:43 AM ()

I hope by "dry" you mean less than 80% relative humidity, but even a lack of rain will do. We met the quota for June. But according the the forecasts, there's a chance of rain every day until Wednesday. Perhaps the low will settle over New England again.... Oh well... I can't push it away!

reply by jjoohhnn on June 29, 2008 8:38 AM ()

I'm sorry your having sleeping troubles again, I know how it feels as i've been there before, not with coffee as I don't drink it but with caffeine suppliments. I was wondering if you felt anxious most of the day? Do you feel like there could be unnecessary anxiety looming about. Alot of people don't realise that they are feeling anxious when they are. This could be 'a' reason for why you have troubled nights. Another thought crossed my mind since you suffered sleep apnea, do you think you are sensing the drop in air pressure around you? you said there are storms brewing. This is a wierd hypothosis, but alot of people can feel the drop and feel it heavy on their chest. Ok DR, lynnie needs to shut up shop. Hope you have a great day.

comment by lynnie on June 29, 2008 4:24 AM ()

Free consultations are fine by me, I prefer them - no Insurance papers to fill in

reply by lynnie on June 29, 2008 11:39 AM ()

Reasonable hypotheses, Doc! But I use a BiPAP machine which takes care of air pressure, so that isn't it (although air leakage around my mask which is getting old could contribute). I'm going to stop the coffee drinking after noon, since this was the cause years ago, and see what happens. If that isn't it, I'll visit your blog for a free consultation! Yup, I did say free!

reply by jjoohhnn on June 29, 2008 8:45 AM ()