CPAP Users

[Boss hog]

Over the last 5 years I have used a CPAP machine religiously, but have always felt tired throughout the day. I went back to the Dr several times due to this day time sleepyness condition and they did a at home sleep study which resulted in me getting a new auto CPAP to use. Over the course of a year or 2 with the new machine my condition remained the same which resulted in my Dr. telling me maybe your body is telling you it just needs a nap everyday. I know with using a CPAP I won't ever feel like I was before needing it to sleep at night but does anyone have recmendations that I can pursue with my new Doctor that worked for them to help with my situation.

Also, prior to covid lock down i was scheduled for a in Lab sleep study and Nap study but that was rescheduled to a pending new date.

 

[Kingsmountain]

No help from me because I'm in the same boat.
I started on CPAP about 3 years ago (so everyone else in the house could get some sleep)
Even though I snored badly, I never felt sleepy the next day.
Now I do. Some aas cycles just amplifies the sluggishness.
I never thought about the CPAP use causing it, I just chalked it up to getting old.
Even if you don't get an answer here PLEASE keep us posted as it may shed light for all of us CPAP users.
Good luck !

 

[Boss hog]

Being on a cycle definitely ampliflifies it regardless of the amount or compounds being used from my experience over the years

 

[Kingsmountain]

Being on a cycle definitely ampliflifies it regardless of the amount or compounds being used from my experience over the years

okay, so this subject got me to thinking about Rand McLain. I thought I remembered him talking about sleep apnea / CPAP and aas use. I dug around and found the video.

When I first watched it a few years back, it didn't apply to me so I really didn't reflect upon his experience with CPAP / aas users.

I went back and viewed it a couple of times. From what I can gather from his commentary is when using a CPAP and aas you can actually be cardio training while sleeping! In turn creating high levels of RBC / hemoglobin which of course can slow down blood flow and cause sluggishness and drowsiness during wake periods.

In short, what I took away from the video is our CPAP volume may be enough to keep us from snoring BUT may not provide enough volume to keep our oxygen saturation levels high enough to avoid oxygen deprevation while using aas. Or in other words, we may just need to get the script volume changed upwards to avoid oxygen saturation deprevation because of our TRT or aas usage.

Check the video out. The part about CPAP use starts at around 9:22.

Let me know what you think.

 

[Kingsmountain]

I think I may be able to test Rand McLain's suggestions of oxygen deprevation.

I have a friend that brought me a pulseoximeter by the house.

I just used it and have a reading of 98% O2 at a pulse rate of 60.

I am going to have the old lady check my O2 level sometime in the night after I am in deep sleep stage to see if there is a drastic difference like Rand McLain was talking about.

 

[Boss hog]

Very interesting that you found that article because last Friday I just donated blood. Tuesday I go get my blood work done at quest and yesterday I get my results back and after donating my hemocrat, RBC and hemoglobin are still just at or above the upper limits on each one.

So last night I lowered my weekly Trt dosage to 200. From what I researched 250 my put me on the upper limits of what I need.

 

[Kingsmountain]

The point the doc spoke about that interested me most was the "cardio workout" during sleep due to oxygen depravation during CPAP use.

I agree donating blood can help offset high RBC's but was wondering if oxygen saturation levels drop in sleep while wearing a CPAP , would increasing the air volume help reduce or eliminate the issue or would some other supplement be in order (besides donating blood).

Like I said, I'll get the old lady to check my 02 level tonight after I get into a deep sleep and see if they drop.

Then maybe we can go from there with more research like me donating blood and see if anything changes in levels of 02 absorption.

 

[Boss hog]

I'm interested to see the out come of your result on that. I know on several occasions it seems like my machine doesn't seem to be pushing enough pressure at times so I'm wondering if I might not be getting enough air throughout the night.

 

[Ari O’Speedwagon]

I’ve had sleep apnea for years and I’ve used a CPAP for about 10 years or so. It helped slightly, but I still had extreme daytime sleepiness. I’d nod off at work and just want to sleep whenever possible. My doctor added in modafinil several years ago. It worked for a while, but wasn’t great. I moved to adderall, which worked better, but still didn’t give great relief.
I went back in for another overnight sleep study and a daytime nap study. From the results, I was diagnosed with narcolepsy, which I kind of assumed I’ve had for years. The diagnosis opened up some other med options. I’ve been on Wakix for a few months. Like other meds, it helps some, but doesn’t fix it.
From what I’ve read and heard from my doc, the best med for narcolepsy right now is Xyrem (GHB, if you remember that one). Crazy thing is that my wife is also narcoleptic. She takes xyrem and it has absolutely changed her for the better. The bad part is that, since it completely knocks you out, we can’t both take it right now because we have a four-year old and one of us has to be able to wake up at night, if needed.
I’d go get that daytime nap test when you can and see what it tells you. There are a few med options right now that may help and I know there are several more coming to market within the next couple of years. Due to the prices, without a diagnosis, it would make getting them prescribed and approved by insurance pretty difficult.
Good luck.

 

[Kingsmountain]

That is quite a bit of good info so thanks for weighing in with personal experiences (both you and the ms.)

I always thought of narcolepsy as complete lack of control versus just feeling tired or run down. After reading your experience I assume there must be different levels?

Either way, I just feel run down for the first part of the day and don't seem to be really fully awake until 6pm or so. Weird, I know.

Question @Ari O’Speedwagon
Does aas exacerbate your narcolepsy?

I think I might talk to my GP about the situation and the meds you brought up.

 

[Boss hog]

Some great advice in this thread. Atleast i know there are some options on the table to help with this condition.

 

[Ari O’Speedwagon]

That is quite a bit of good info so thanks for weighing in with personal experiences (both you and the ms.)

I always thought of narcolepsy as complete lack of control versus just feeling tired or run down. After reading your experience I assume there must be different levels?

Either way, I just feel run down for the first part of the day and don't seem to be really fully awake until 6pm or so. Weird, I know.

Question @Ari O’Speedwagon
Does aas exacerbate your narcolepsy?

I think I might talk to my GP about the situation and the meds you brought up.

There are a couple different types of narcolepsy. Most people are familiar with the other type which involves sudden attacks of sleep and loss of muscle control brought on by a sudden shift in emotions (like getting startled, frightened, elated, etc.). The other type is what my wife and I have. Honestly, I’ve only done one real cycle and that was 10 years ago or so. I’ve been on TRT for years and do blast from time to time. I’m planning my second real cycle for next month after my next TRT doc check-in. I actually feel like the problem improves when I blast test for a few months. My energy levels increase when I go from my TRT dose of 200mg/week up to 500mg/week. I can give you another update after this next cycle.

 

[Kingsmountain]

Most people are familiar with the other type which involves sudden attacks of sleep and loss of muscle control

Yep. That's the kind I am familiar with.

I’m planning my second real cycle for next month after my next TRT doc check-in.

I'm getting ready to blast off myself. I am assuming Test will be the base of your cycle. If you don't mind me asking, what dose you going to run and length?

I'm going to run a base of test prop. It will be the first time I have ever used propionate versus cyp or enth so I am excited to see if prop treats me any better.

My energy levels increase when I go from my TRT dose of 200mg/week up to 500mg/week. I can give you another update after this

That's where I am different. The more I up the test or use more than 1 compound, the more the sluggishness is pronounced.

If you can remember, update when you can and I'll try to do the same.

 

[Ari O’Speedwagon]

Yep. That's the kind I am familiar with.




I'm getting ready to blast off myself. I am assuming Test will be the base of your cycle. If you don't mind me asking, what dose you going to run and length?

I'm going to run a base of test prop. It will be the first time I have ever used propionate versus cyp or enth so I am excited to see if prop treats me any better.



That's where I am different. The more I up the test or use more than 1 compound, the more the sluggishness is pronounced.

If you can remember, update when you can and I'll try to do the same.

I’m going to keep my TRT dose of 200mg Test C and add 400mg of Sust or Test E. I have enough of both. I’m also going to run 400mg of Masteron blend. After getting some feedback, I would have gone with Test Prop and Mast Prop. But I already got these, so I’ll use them and make adjustments on any future cycles.

 

[FiEnD]

I've got severe OSA. I'm eventually going to have reconstructive surgery on my jaw which will kill two birds with one stone. One is pulling my tongue forward to create more space in the back of my throat.

I'm a candidate for the inspire implant (nerve stim) but I'm trying to avoid that