mel1972

I have been recently diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and now use a CPAP machine at night when I sleep. During my overnight sleep study I stopped breathing 59 times an hour during my REM(deep sleep) and 15 times during lighter sleep. I also stopped breathing for 30 second increments during my sleep. Although I sleep so much better with the cpap, I still can't help but continue to drink to "go to sleep". Anyone else?

Dee74

Hi mel

I used to 'drink to sleep' too - trouble was this usually meant passing out for a few hours then waking with a jolt at 3am....

Since I stopped drinking and smoking 6 years ago I sleep much better and my sleep apnea is immeasurably better too.

If you're having trouble which sleep quality or quantity my advice is stop reaching for the bottle - reach for the phone instead and make an appointment with your Dr

D

mel1972

Thanks Dee. I'm scheduled to have weight loss surgery in June which I know I won't be able to drink after so it's like I'm trying to get it "out of my system" beforehand.

Dee74

If you want to quit, there's no time like today.

It's like that old saying - the best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago - the second best time is today

The longer you leave off quitting the harder it's likely to be .
why not try to learn to sleep naturally now, mel?

It takes a couple of weeks, but i think it's well worth it

D

2granddaughters

Mel, did you ever go to AA?


Bob

mel1972

Hi Bob, yes I did several times and although I haven't been in a while I just didn't get a whole lot out of it as much I wanted to. I feel that my thoughts are so strong that all convenient stores should be gone. My car just turns right into the parking lot no matter how much I say I don't want to drink. I'm just at a complete loss and feel like I will never get to the "newly recovered"

2granddaughters

Mel, I strongly suggest you go back and give it another crack. I don't believe you are going to think yourself straight here.

You need help like me. Just my $0.02

I wish you the best.

Bob R

jennikate

Hi Mel,

I had a RNY bypass and that's when my trouble really began. Are you aware of the increased risk of alcoholism after weight loss surgery? Since you already have a drinking problem(I assume?), I would really caution you about having surgery until you have a grip on the issue. Having wls really changes how alcohol is metabolized in your system. Plus you can no longer use food as a coping mechanism. I know this is not the original topic but I couldn't not say something. Alcohol almost took my life and I am lucky that I lived to tell the tale.

mel1972

Chapter 11. I have the AA book. I'm seeing that I need to actually read it!

2granddaughters

Take it with you to a meeting every day.

All the best.

Bob R