Thank you, Waves,

I don't bother telling the pdoc much about sleep.

After 20+ years of wrestling with this (via tdocs and pdocs and others ), I have decided that the stay up late problem is deeply psychological.

The second problem and one that has only developed in the last several years might be sleep apnea.

BUT the I am not clear how the sleep apnea treatment could help with my deep fear of going to bed. Initially at least, an apnea dx with tx could add to the bed time routine that I already stretch out all night because I don't like sleeping.

Still, tx could help the sleep be more healing and more refreshing regardless of the time or day I chose to sleep.

I'm thinking of this because he might check his notes and ask (nag) about the sleep study (not yet scheduled )


M.

Dear Mari,

oh, i hope i didn't come across like you should talk to pdoc about the sleep... i realize it's a long time thing with you and you have talked about it seeming more psychological than other before. With me, it would come up casually with the pdoc... he would ask me lots of questions (the current one does not) each time, including about was i getting sleep and sometimes it would "leak out" that i had say, just barely made it (v.s. overslept) for his appointment... at 3 pm . I generally tried to avoid telling him i was sleeping in the day. Oh, or if i would start a new med and he would say, take it early morning when you first wake up, and i would say ehhh.... 2pm ok? LOL. Then a whole investigative (on his part) thing would ensue, whereupon i would offer to take the med at 5 or 6 am (fine) before i went to sleep (wait, that's BEFORE you sleep?) I did not relish those sessions. Then it was why, and that's not good and... and then FINALLY... well you do need to sleep so FOR NOW sleep in the day.

So really my emphasis was on the utmost importance of getting sleep, whenever that is. And yes, if they do find sleep apnea, it could help you sleep better regardless of when - it would improve your quality of life overall.

I can see that tx being a pain to integrate into evening stuff that you already have difficulty with, so possibly adding to the erhmmm... challenge... of altering your schedule to night sleep.

But one thing at a time. Doing the sleep study is good. If there are any problems with sleep itself... they might get cleared up. Then you will feel better overall, anyway, even if you are still a day sleeper. If there are no problems, well, at least it has been ruled out which is also an informative step forward.

Do you think this might be part of the reason you keep pushing the appointment forward? Not just because of not feeling well but also perhaps to avoid facing his ask/nagging about sleep... perhaps until you schedule the study? That sounds like something i would do if i were nervous about it. Just a thought.

~ waves ~

Dear Waves,
You are right.
I understand you that I need sleep at some point in the 24 hour cycle.

When I can, I sleep in the day.

Right now, I am failing that miserably. Example on Saturday: went to bed around 8:00 am and had to set the alarm for 10:00 am to make a phone call. Went back to bed with alarm set for 12:00 noon. Hubby and I had to do some errands. Then I had promised friend that I would go to a stupid event at 7:00 pm.

I told her ahead of time that I might not stay for the whole event. I was feeling irritated and annoyed.

So I stepped outside, found a bench, and slept sitting up for 20-30 minutes. When her event was over, she came out and found me.

So I got some sleep at an unconventional time and place.

Right now, I'm sleepy and yet I have not taken night beds yet or started bed time regime.
And hubby and I might have to be up at 1:00 pm.

So I don't get what is going on with me.

Whatever it is, it is more powerful than the need to sleep.
That scares me if I think about it.


Regarding possibly avoiding pdoc:
Yes, somewhat.
1st postponed visit was one day after ER visit when ER doc told me to stay home for two days. I did not feel good. And people in my city are sensitive about people possibly exposing others to viruses.

2nd postponed visit -- I was waaaaaaay into a sleep deficit (more than usual). Plus I had a report due for work.
The trip to the pdoc is 45-55 minutes away and requires focus on the road.
Main reason for 2nd cancellation: I was not up to driving that day and decided to play it safe.


I agree with your suggestion that I can call the sleep doc's office to schedule appointment (will be hard to get a day time appointment in his sleep lab as he has the lab open only one day a week for us day sleepers.)
If I can tell pdoc that I have / am working on an appointment, that could make things better.

M.

yeah, that is pretty scary Mari. Just do the best you can and perhaps not focus on it to much. If you focus too much and end up obsessing that will not help.

that does not sound like you were avoiding him because of the sleep study or fear of nagging about sleep issues. it just sounds plain and simple like you weren't in any condition to go! (case 1 ill and case 2 risked falling asleep at the wheel!)

if, by "my suggestion," you mean where i said "That sounds like something i would do if i were nervous about it." - it was not intended as a suggestion. i didn't mean i would schedule the study - lol, no. i find doing that stuff hard. and especially in your situation i think i would find it reaaaaaal hard. i was trying to say that if i felt nervous about the pdoc nagging, i might be cancelling appointments with him - hence my question to you about possible avoidance... but the reasons you had went above and beyond that, even if you are nervous about that aspect.
well, in that case, i DO wish you well in moving forward with the sleep study. i guess first thing is to decide if you'd rather go through your mdoc's or that neuro guy... and as to that, i say, go with your instincts... with whomever you think you'll be more comfortable, as long as you consider both competent. The driving distance is certainly something to consider too.

in that sense, you can tell your pdoc you are working on an appointment. (the decision process is work.)

But take your time to think about it. Make the appointment when you're ready.

hopefully that cleared things up. wasn't trying to be pushy.

~ waves ~

Hi Mari

Hoping that you get your sleep appointment made soon.

Donna