Sleep Apnea

JenniferV · 03-17-2007, 10:12 PM

Hello ladies,

I've recenly been diagnosed with sleep apnea and am wondering if anyone else has. I was doing some research on the internet and there is a TON of information about sleep apnea and women with PCOS and that sleep apnea is linked to insulin resistance. Some of the stuff I read also said that sleep apnea causes fogginess, constant fatigue, head aches (especially first thing in the morning) and low sex drive in women. I don't know about you ladies, but I am tired ALL OF THE TIME. Of course I'm over weight and thought it was that, along with my messed up hormones and whacky insulin levels. However, my doctor told me once we get the sleep apnea under control, I will hopefully become well rested and have an increase in my energy levels.

Maybe there are some of you who knew about this, but when he said I had sleep apnea, I was floored. I thought sleep apnea was for fat out of shape men in their 50's. Not me (31 year old female). However, with what I read on the internet, it makes a ton of sense. I'm anxious to see if getting treated makes a difference. I have my hopes up.

For any of you who snore, do not sleep soundly, constantly wake up during the night, wake up in the morning just as tired as when you went to bed, wake up with head aches, and are tired all day long, you might want to look into sleep apnea and talk to your doctor about it.

I hope this helps someone!

Stinky_Kitty · 03-18-2007, 01:08 AM

You know I've been thinking that I might have sleep apnea. Ever since I started gaining weight I've been snoring more and more. I am constantly tired no matter what! I think I might mention it to my Dr. when I go in next.

How are they treating yours? Do you have to wear a C-Pap machine?

rosettagirl · 03-18-2007, 01:17 AM

Hi JenniferV!

I have suspected for a long time that I have sleep apnea. I wake up multiple times during the night and can't remember the last time I had a decent sleep.

I have not read that it is linked to insulin resistance but it makes sense since most with it are overweight, including myself. I have read that stress and lack of sleep are related to increased cortisol levels...I found this on www.CalorieKing.com

Losing sleep, gaining weight
Do you lose sleep over your weight? It might be time to try losing weight over your sleep!
According to a major study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, lack of sleep can diminish the production of the hormone GH - a hormone that helps inhibit weight gain. GH plays an important role in controlling the proportions of fat and muscle. Having less of this hormone increases your chances of being overweight.
The hormone leptin, which regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates and signals the body when it should feel full, can also be affected by lack of sleep. When there are low levels of leptin, the body craves carbohydrates regardless of the amount of calories consumed. This can lead easily to weight gain.
On the other hand, studies show that if you get high amounts REM sleep (deep or slow-wave) your evening cortisol levels are more likely to be well-balanced. The hormone cortisol also plays a role in regulating appetite. The more balanced your cortisol levels, the easier it is to control your appetite.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here's to getting a good nights sleep!

Crystal

MakaylasMom25 · 03-23-2007, 11:45 PM

I was diagnosed with PCOS and a year later with sleep apnea. I have to take over the counter sleep medications just to get a little decent sleep. Then I wake up all groggy. It sucks to find out you have PCOS and sleep apnea all within almost a year.

TomorrowIsAnotherDay · 03-24-2007, 02:21 AM

I have a friend who has all the classic symptoms of PCOS and she too has sleep apnea...I think it's pretty common in regards to pcos.

angeltears · 03-26-2007, 04:02 PM

I have sleep apnea also. I have been wearing a C-PAP machine for about 2 years now. I feel like a different person. I used to be tired all the time. All day at work, I couldn't wait to get home so I could go to bed. I feel like I am actually living my life now and not sleeping all the time.

supie20 · 03-31-2007, 08:35 PM

Anybody sleepwalk?

I sleepwalk like crazy.

I've even ended up outside the house (only once).

I usually remember it when I wake up.

I'm single, so there's no one else to tell me much more about my nighttime trips around the house.

I suspect I have sleep apnea. My mother definitely has it. And she's a sleep-walker, too.

I snore so loud sometimes I wae myself up.

I've always chalked my sleep walking up to stress, but maybe it's PCOS.