surfer,

You need to determine what symptoms are permanent and what symptoms are due to daily or other triggers.

My most importunate point for you is singular. Have you ever had anybody observe you sleep? If you wake up feeling bad, you likely are not sleeping well. I have central sleep apnea since my concussion in 2001. If I sleep correctly, I wake up refreshed. If I roll onto my side, I stop breathing frequently, have stressful dreams, and wake up feeling lousy. I will be in lousy shape all day unless I take a good nap.

I often can get a good nap in a recliner. I cannot roll to my side on a recliner.

In bed, I roll my pillow so that it supports the side of my face so my head does not turn to the side too far.

Someday, I hope to find out what is wrong with my neck that is causing this problem. I can't yet afford the local upper cervical chiropractor.

My wife can tell how my day will be by observing how I am sleeping when she gets up. Sometimes, she will try to get me to roll onto my back. She can also tell by my facial expression as I sleep. Sometimes, I look like I am at total peace and relaxed. Other times, I have a scowl on my face.

I was a right side sleeper most of my life. Now, if I roll to my side and my head drops forward or to the side, my breathing goes haywire.

You seriously need to get your sleep issues understood.

I am convinced that my father had the same problems. he would stop breathing while sleeping as long as I can remember. He slowly deteriorated with dementia. After 30 to 40 years of deterioration, it finally took his life in 2007. He refused to have a sleep test even though he recognized his slow decline. .