Falling asleep at the wheel while driving, What is going on?

[grandmas_girls3]

I have already been diagnosed with sleep apnea. I don't sleep at night very well. I was on interstate yesterday, and had my 2 young granddaughters in the car. I dosed off, and caught myself, in the center lane...Scared me to death. What is going on?

[knvv]

I wish you luck on this. I myself have been diagnosed with severe sleep apnea a few years ago and been on a c pap ever since then. It's amazing how much better you'll feel once you get used to it. The ones at home are so different than the ones they use at the test. Much quieter, smaller, nicer ..That also might make a difference too. But just don't give up right away if it's very uncomfortable or if it leaks air. If you feel the mask doesn't fit right, you can get another to try. Took me about 3 tries before I found the right one.

Also ....Kateyes mentioned about testing for iron. Another thought .. have you ever had your thyroid tested? That can also make you really exhausted as well.

[grandmas_girls3]

Thank you for the information. They tried this huge mask that covered my face. Then another one that covered my nose. I am seeing the dr soon, hope he can use the ones like just the tube that goes in you nose. I can handle that. As far as the RLS...it is worse. Don't seem like meds working anymore...same dose for long time. There is lots to discuse with this dr. But, i really appreciate the input.  Oh, I will not give up...love my life..

[KatEyes]

When adjusting to wearing a mask and using the machine, maybe it would help to remind yourself that you really are suffocating repeatedly all night long with untreated sleep apnea. This air up your nose will prevent that suffocation. It is literally your lifeline. Embrace it, take it in as the very breath of life. I don't know what kind of mask they tried on you, but there are different styles, and another may suit you more. I use one called nasal pillows. If you can tolerate an oxygen cannula, you might tolerate this style. There is even a mask with prongs like an oxygen cannula that may work for you. Don't give up - it is too important for you to get this treatment. About the RLS, if it is accompanied by PLMD, your sleep may still feel bad due to it even when your CPAP is doing its job well. If you are on a dopamine agonist, they are known to sometimes have decreased effectiveness and even augmentation - a worsening of symptoms. Have you had iron studies done including a ferritin level to see if you need to be on iron? Seems to be theme with many RLS sufferers. Some say magnesium helps. Do not go off your meds abruptly - there should be a weaning process. I happen to have been able to go off my meds for nighttime leg movements and use a TENS Unit instead with real decent success. If your meds continue to be problematic, maybe that could work for you. Just don't expect your docs to be able to help you with this - none of mine had heard of using a TENS for PLMD. Had to wing it on my own, but that's alright, it's turned out ok. Best wishes.

[grandmas_girls3]

I see the sleep doctor june 7th. to go over results of sleep studies... I felt like I was suffocateing with the cpap machine, and the nurse stopped the test. I also have sever case lf RLS..and I don't thing the medicine I take for it is working anymore. I hope there is someway to get oxygen instead of a machine over my face.

[Braintoobig]

*on a CPAP machine. Not *in one. Sorry for the typo. You don't go *in a CPAP machine.

[Braintoobig]

When you have sleep apnea you aren't getting proper sleep, your brain isn't getting proper oxygen at night, and consequently you're excessively tired during the day. Your brain will be constantly running off of sleep deprivation and lack of oxygen. Sleep apnea can cause a lot of problems long term too.
What has been your treatment for the sleep apnea? Has your doctor put you in a Cpap machine at home to help you breath at night? If you can get proper sleep with of those breathing machines, you will feel MUCH better during the day. Sleep apnea really needs to be treated because it can get quite dangerous to your heart, and as you have come to discover, the excessive daytime sleepiness can get dangerous while driving.