Scared to sleep! Please help!

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Scared to sleep! Please help!

by Kristen
(Philadelphia)

My ENT said I may have obstructive sleep apnea because I'm overweight, have large tonsils, & blocked sinuses. My sleep study is scheduled for 5 days from now. In the meantime I'm afraid to sleep! My blood pressure is excellent and I have no heart problems. I'm so scared I may die in my sleep.

Answer

Kristen, I would not be worried if I were you. Look on the bright side: sleep apnea is treatable!

I would be very afraid to sleep I my doctor will discover I have cancer. This is untreatable, horrible and deadly!

But patients with sleep apnea who have an effective therapy, are normal people, who can live a quality life like everyone else. They just have to sleep at night with a mask on their face, with a dental device, or a special pillow.

Hang in there, because things will get better. You did something that many poor people cannot do: scheduled a sleep study. This is an awesome step, the first step to improving your life.

About the cancer...many people discover the disease too late. However, your blood pressure is excellent and your heart has no problems. This means your sleep apnea didn't affect you too much.

And I believe you already know the side effects of sleep apnea...

So, Kristen... You should think positively from here on out. Once you get on your CPAP therapy you will be surprised at how quickly you will return to normal sleep patterns.

Keep in mind though, your sleep may not be perfect but it will be significantly better than what you are going through now. And it's a little unusual trying to sleep with a CPAP mask on your face all night, but the rewards are awesome.

One more thing... You might be interested to know what to ask about your sleep study results, so please read the article and use the information in your advantage.

Keep us posted on how things are going for you.

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

Some more interesting pages for you to check out:

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Please remember...what is posted on these forums are our experiences, thoughts and opinions...it is not always 100% accurate.

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Scared to sleep! Please help!

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Jul 04, 2011
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in the meantime
by: Anonymous

Hi Kristen..

In the meantime.. try sleeping sitting up in a recliner..instead of lying flat in a bed.. use pillows to prop you UP..and pillows to keep you sleeping on one side or the other ..NOT on your back.

Perhaps there is someone with you that can keep an eye on you ( or an ear) while you are sleeping at night UNTIL you get to have your sleep study done.

The few days will go by quickly..just take these extra precautions when you try to sleep at night while you are waiting.

I understand your fear and I Hope you will be careful until you get your sleep study done and your machine and mask to help you breath AND sleep at night from now on.

Please take care..bribe a friend to come and stay with you..do everything you need to stay safe in the meantime.

Jul 06, 2011
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:-(
by: Kristen

I couldn't sleep during my study because I was so anxious. Now I don't know if I can get another one. I'm so scared to sleep.

Aug 18, 2011
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Relax
by: Anonymous

I know this has been a while since your post but I hope you got things figured out. I have to wait another 28 days till my sleep study! I think that it is pretty unlikely that you or I would die from sleep apnea before we can get treatment but I am scared too! From what I have read the danger with sleep apnea is caused by the toll it takes on your body after years and years and YEARS of sleep and oxygen deprivation. That said, I believe that I have been suffering from this for about 10 years now at least. No one took my snoring seriously while I was so young and not overweight at all! Turns out I have been suffering from sleep apnea and obstructive snoring since I was a child. :( I am very afraid to know what irreversible affects this has had on my body.

Good luck! I am sure you will be just fine!

Sep 03, 2011
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GAD
by: Anonymous

I am afraid to go sleep, because couple of times
in the months I suddenly woke up after couple
hours sleep.
I dont know this is just anxeity/panic or
sleep apnea?
Advise me!

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