Side Sleeping Position Help

[rara200284]

Hi,
I'm new to this forum!

I am awaiting to do a sleep study in 2 weeks. I believe I have sleep apnea my whole life. I never feel refreshed sleeping and am told am a huge snorer.

I am turning 30 in June and am always wondering what my life would've been like had I had bountiful energy from restful sleep.

Anyway, I read that sleeping on your side can help with sleep apnea. I tried sleeping on my side last night and although felt like I was breathing easier, I still felt tired waking up. I didn't feel comfortable sleeping on my side which probably caused me restless sleep.

My question is, does it take time getting used to sleeping on your side?

I only tried it one time, but maybe I need to keep doing it until my body gets used to it since I am so used to sleeping on my back.

Thank you guys! Well wishes and sweet dreams!

[OpalRose]

Hi rara200284,
You will probably have less apnea events if you can sleep on your side, but if you are a back sleeper, then try to elevate the head of your bed so you are not laying flat.

When I was waiting for my sleep study, I sometimes slept in a recliner because I couldn't lay flat.

In the meantime, learn all you can about machine and mask choices so that you don't end up with something you do not want. Providers/DME's will tend to give you their older machines that are not data capable.

Good luck and let us know how sleep study goes.

[AlanE]

Hi rara200284



It will take time to get used to doing something you haven't been doing for 30 years. As OpalRose said it seems to most people that respiratory events are less when you sleep on your side. For me my AHI was 66.2 supine and only 41.2 in non-supine at my sleep study. I wish I could always sleep on my side but my joints get to hurting after awhile and I have to roll into a different position.

[trish6hundred]

Hi rara200284,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
It would be better if you could sleep on your side, as sleeping on your back can make apnea worse.
Hang in there for more suggestions and much success to you.
Good luck to you at your sleep study in a couple weeks..

[car54]

Your life will be changing once you are on therapy. There is much to learn and changes in your life to make( like sleeping on your side).

You will probably have less apneas sleeping on your side now but without therapy your sleep quality is probably low.

Some people have success sleeping inclined. I would love to sleep on my back but even with therapy my events get high. I am forced to sleep on my side but with sore joints and arthritis I switch from one side to the other which disrupts my sleep.

One major thing for success is to pick the right mask. I was fortunate to have a store that gave me a 30 day trial. If I did not like one, I could switch it with another. I probably tried 6 different masks. What works for one person may not work for you.

Keep coming back to the site for ideas and help.

Brad

[truetopath]

It's good you're getting the sleep study. What you may find is that once you start treatment the energy may take a bit of time to return. Best of luck on your journey.