Sleep Apnea

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Not sure what's going on with me and it's scary.

I'm not sure what's going on and it's scaring me and my husband. I have a variety of chronic conditions, including sleep apnea, autism, and ADHD. During the last year or so, a new symptom or condition has started presenting itself. I'll try to describe it as best I can and hopefully someone will recognize what it is, or have some ideas as to what it might be, because the doctors I've talked with think it's narcolepsy but aren't sure about that, either.

It usually happens when I'm sitting still for long periods of time, like reading things on the internet, playing computer games, or watching tv, but not always. All of a sudden, I jolt "back to consciousness" or "awake" and I have no clue that there's any lost time. I put those in quotes, because idk if I really lose consciousness or fall asleep. My smartwatch thinks I fall asleep during these times.

When I come back to myself, I have a cottony feeling in my mouth like I've been asleep, I jolt back (like muscles physically jump a little), and my mind races to figure out why. I see that it's not the time I thought it was and sometimes I'm on a different website, part of an e-book, tv program, etc. I'm disoriented and have trouble thinking, like I just woke up suddenly.

During the time I'm "out", my husband says I look like I fall asleep suddenly and am unresponsive. Sometimes I snore. Often, I fall forward or lean to the side somewhat.

Sometimes, I can feel it starting, like a dark curtain getting pulled tight around my eyes and sometimes around my other senses. Usually, though, it just starts suddenly and I don't seem to have any warning about it.

Does this sound familiar to anyone? I'm willing to answer questions about it, so please post if you have any ideas! Yes, I understand that nothing on here can be construed to be diagnosing, but it will at least give me a direction to ask doctors about to rule-in or rule-out things.

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Slept 17 hours total, still can’t get out of bed

I wonder why no matter how much I sleep, I steel feel tired, sleepy and defeated. Even when I try to take my sleeping medication more than 12 hours before I have to wake up it’s useless. It’s not sleep apnea so I don’t know what else it could be, maybe if I could find a good psychiatrist who could help me I would feel better but it’s so hard because I’ve never connected with anyone and also everything is so expensive right now.

I wish I could just sleep forever. #Depression #Anxiety

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What are some boundaries you have—or want to create—around your sleep routine?

Creating boundaries, limits, or self-rules around my sleep routine can be really hard for me, but I know how important it is. A lack of sleep can significantly impact the symptoms I experience, both mentally and physically.

One boundary I want to create is getting at least 7–8 hours of sleep (ideally 8, though I know that can be challenging at times). I also want to practice patience with myself on nights when I get less rest—by going slower the next day, taking my time, and being kind to myself and my expectations.

My goal is to be more consistent with when I start winding down for bed, intentionally building real sleep habits and sticking to them. I want to practice more discipline around my sleep because it’s such an important part of my health.

What about you? What boundaries do you have—or want to create—around your sleep schedule or routine?

#Insomnia #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #SleepApnea #Depression #BipolarDepression #Anxiety #MentalHealth #Disability #MultipleSclerosis #CheckInWithMe

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How does lack of sleep affect your mood, motivation, or focus the next day?

Insomnia affects me in so many ways, and during this time of year—when there’s less sunlight—I’ve noticed that my exhaustion feels a lot heavier, which has been impacting my motivation. I think my body goes through this strange confusion about what time of day it actually is during the first couple of months of fall. I’m still figuring out the best bedtime routine to help me get more sleep.

How does insomnia or lack of sleep affect you the next day?

#Insomnia #ChronicPain
#ChronicIllness #SleepApnea
#Depression #BipolarDepression
#Anxiety #MentalHealth #Disability #MultipleSclerosis #CheckInWithMe

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All About Sleep Disorders Based Off Of AI

All About Sleep Disorders Based Off Of AI
A sleep disorder is a condition that disrupts the normal quality, timing, or amount of sleep, leading to problems with daily functioning and overall health. Common examples include insomnia (difficulty sleeping), obstructive sleep apnea (breathing interruptions during sleep), narcolepsy(excessive daytime sleepiness), restless legs syndrome (an urge to move the legs at night), and parasomnias (unwanted events during sleep, such as sleepwalking.) They can be diagnosed through sleep study and treated with medication, health habits, and psychotherapy. I have been through this process before and it really works.

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