Why do I wake up after a few hours sleep?

[John Reston]

    I did the sleep test because I rarely sleep for more than 5 hours each night, going to sleep easily and waking a few hours later and that's it. Sleep test showed AHI 8.5, so mild apnea, and started using an airsense 10 CPAP about 6 weeks ago with nasal cushion. Large leaks made me switch to FFM, which works much better, I think. I'm getting even less sleep now than I was before the CPAP, and now I sometimes wake up for about an hour in the middle of the time I used to sleep. Here's a snapshot of last night's data. showing a few of the main charts as I've seen requested by other members of the forum. I know one night's data isn't much use--not sure how to show more data without uploading a bunch of screen shots. Does anything stand out here that might indicate user error (i.e., I'm screwing up) or that might show something happening around the time I wake? I welcome all advise. Thanks.

[Expat31]

Hello, it would be helpful if you would just post the following key graphs (in this order):-

1.Events
2.Flow rate
3.Pressure
4.Leak rate
5.Flow limitations 

Thanks

[PaulaO2]

There is a sleep disorder where the person wake up at about 3am every night and usually cannot return to sleep (one of the many circadian rhythm disorders). There are sleep sleep medications that can help with that. If you are waking up at about the same time every night, then talk to your GP.

[Sleeprider]

With minimum pressure 7, maximum 8, and EPR 3 your CPAP appears to hit maximum pressure quickly and stays there. If you can tolerate turning off ramp, it does not seem to be helping. Seeing the flow limits chart would be helpful as I think it may hold some clues. Your sleep length and patency is not really affected by your CPAP therapy as it was pre-existing. It may help to discuss trying some sleep aids with your doctor to see if you can get something that helps you stay asleep after initial cycle. If you have an Apple Watch or other means to monitor sleep, it may help to know sleep structure in terms of deep sleep, REM and core sleep.

When you awaken, you probably have developed a sense or feeling that it won't be possible to go back to sleep. What do you do, continue to rest in bed, or get up until you're tired again? How is your sleep hygiene?

[PeaceLoveAndPizza]

A bit of a detour, but did your sleep study show any periodic leg or other movements? We have seen instances where PLMS caused wake-ups, so thought I should ask.

[John Reston]

Thanks for the response. If I wake within the first few hours to urinate, I got right back to sleep. If I wake after about 4 hours, my brain is totally on and looking for something to do. I think this goes back to my last job--very high stress, lots of unwanted conflict--which does make me think it could be more psychological than biological in origin.  I see the sleep doctor Tuesday, which is what prompted me to post this question now. Thanks for the suggestion. I'll bring it up to him.

---

A bit of a detour, but did your sleep study show any periodic leg or other movements? We have seen instances where PLMS caused wake-ups, so thought I should ask.

The sleep study showed zero leg movements. In fact, I literally did not move an inch. With all the wires and tubes connected to me for the study, I think even in sleep I was monitoring and restricting myself. Generally, though, I wake in the same position to fell asleep in.

[Sleeprider]

Sleep schedules and expectations can become very habitual. Perhaps you just need some help to get over the hump of 4-hours and make it easier for you to create a new habit.