Sudden daytime sleepiness

[JackieW]

I have been using my CPAP for over 5 years, 100% compliant. It is a miracle device! But, suddenly, in the last few weeks, I am plagued by daytime sleepiness, to the point of I've fallen asleep at work a few times. My concentration is off and I just feel exhausted. I still sleep all night, and my data doesn't show any major events...really nothing that is different from the past year. I also have felt like I'm fighting a cold, but for a month or more, so I know it's not an illness. I do use humidification, but I am OCD about cleanliness for my mask, tubing and humidifier.

So, why am I suddenly fighting fatigue and struggling with daytime sleepiness?

Any insight would be appreciated.

[justMongo]

Have you had a full checkup with your primary care doctor?
There are some conditions that sneak up on people and make them tired.
One that comes to mind is diabetes. Then there's thyroid.

Main thing is to get a full blood panel.

[Melman]

Even for the 8 of the 10 years I was on suboptimal CPAP therapy and not very compliant I felt pretty energetic. Then it changed. I was diagnosed with a hypothyroid condition. I'm now on medication and feel much better. Get that checkup as Mongo suggested.

[chill]

I agree with getting to a doctor.  

Also your machine is near the end of its planned life.  It is possible that it is no longer working correctly.  Your DME should be able to check it.

[ajack]

If nothing obvious turns up in the initial testing, a second sleep study may be worthwhile. You may have developed a PLMD or something else that will mess up your sleep.

[trish6hundred]

Hi JackieW,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
You might have your machine looked at to see if it is working properly.
Good luck as you continue CPAP therapy.
Hang in there for more responses to your post.

[JackieW]

Thanks for the suggestions. I do have a physical coming up after the holiday, so I will bring this up with the doctor. Though my current machine is only 18 months old, I will also bring that up with the doctor or DME, see if it's broken.

Thanks again!

[Mosquitobait]

Bring it up with the DME as your doc doesn't have a way to test your machine. Call them and tell them that you want the tech to test it with a manometer to see if the pressures are accurate. If they tell you they don't know what that is, your life is going to be more problematic. Really, I've had actual PT that don't know what a manometer is. They just looked at the machine and said "yes, your pressure is set correctly". They got someone competent in there about 6 months ago, but my coverage changed so I moved to the hospital system DME who have techs who will overhaul your unit if needed (yes, and they fix wheelchairs too! Let me tell you how hard it is to find someone who does that!).