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What Causes Excessive Sleepiness When Diagnosed With Sleep Apnea?

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Posted on Wed, 26 Oct 2016
Question: I am 77 years old, overweight, and have AF and CHF, endogenous depression and asthma, all being well-treated with medication. For the past 4 years I have experienced increasing daytime lassitude extending to outright sleepiness and for instance hav just slept for 3 days almost continuously. I have sleep apnooea and use a cpap. I have consulted , by referral, a range of specialsts with no improvement.
I am now seeing a sleep specialist who has called fro blood test-( but these have been made regularly for years) and directed me to see my psychiatrist- who I have seen already within past 3 months.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (32 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question. I have reviewed your attached document.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is far and away the most likely cause of your daytime sleepiness. This is complicated by CHF which can also cause daytime sleepiness. The first step here is to complete a sleep study to confirm OSA. Once this is confirmed, you will need a CPAP device to wear at night to facilitate breathing, which should relieve daytime sleepiness.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (2 days later)
Dear Dr Sharpe,

In my initial enquiry with list of symptoms and prescribed remedies to meet these, I stated that I already use a CPAP. I have used one for several years. I have had a number of sleep tests following which the CPAP has been adjusted once or twice. I have just bought a new one.
Please read what I have written in my original mail and try to understand that you are at the end of a trail of many, many medical people consulted, even including -( expensive and useless) two homeopathic practioners.

XXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (12 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
Please accept my apologies

My name is Dr. Sheppe, not Dr. Sharpe.

When was your CPAP last adjusted? How long have you been using the new machine? Have you had your oxygen saturation tested continuously overnight while wearing the CPAP to test that it is functioning adequately?

I also stated CHF can be a significant contributor to somnolence and fatigue. When was your most recent echocardiogram? Have you had a BNP level checked? What is your baseline ejection fraction?

XXXX thanks.

Dr. Sheppe
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
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Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2014

Answered : 2236 Questions

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What Causes Excessive Sleepiness When Diagnosed With Sleep Apnea?

Brief Answer: Consultation Detailed Answer: Hello, and thanks for your question. I have reviewed your attached document. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is far and away the most likely cause of your daytime sleepiness. This is complicated by CHF which can also cause daytime sleepiness. The first step here is to complete a sleep study to confirm OSA. Once this is confirmed, you will need a CPAP device to wear at night to facilitate breathing, which should relieve daytime sleepiness. Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied. In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers