Sleep apnea common?

[Asdfvv]

Is sleep apnea a common issue with people with Afib? I know I have insomnia a lot of nights. But don't know if I have sleep apnea. Is sleep apnea common with people on this forum? Could it be the main cause of Afib?

[tibetan36]

Yes, it’s believed to be a contributing factor as one of the causes of AF.

I’m an example of that.

I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnoea and now use cpap every night. Another cause is being overweight, I’ve just lost 20kg and I’m feeling a million dollars lol.

A

[Asdfvv in reply to tibetan36]

What's the CPAP like?

[tibetan36 in reply to Asdfvv]

Realistically it’s something that not everyone likes.

For me it’s necessary as if I don’t use it I could have a stroke and die.

I stopped breathing for 35 seconds 40 times in an hour.

Ii don’t want to die yet.

[Hidden in reply to tibetan36]

Were you aware of it when it was happening or was it a complete shock to find out?

[tibetan36 in reply to Hidden]

I had absolutely no idea that I had SA.

I found out by accident when I was in critical care at the hospital. Because they observe you 24/7 they said to me did I know that I had SA with a reply of no. I was later diagnosed with severe sleep apnea.

[Hidden in reply to tibetan36]

That's very interesting thank you.

[Hidden in reply to Asdfvv]

CPAP is ok, obviously I'd prefer not to use it though.

I have a full mask rather than the nose pillow thing. It took some time to get used to as it did feel very unnatural to start with, but it's just part of life now. On occasion it does pee me off but most nights I don't know I'm wearing it.

On the plus side, my snoring used to be so loud that I had to sleep on my own , but now I can sleep in the same bed as my wife, which is fantastic.

[exbcmc]

I’ve read it can bring Afib on...

[Hidden in reply to exbcmc]

It certainly can, your O2 sats drop when you stop breathing, forcing your heart to work harder.

[CDreamer]

Yes it seems to be quite common and yes it is linked to AF and if you can treat the SA - the AF may burden may lessen - cause - no one knows and it certainly isn’t the main cause as there are so many underlying conditions.

I have SA & use CPAP Which has helps my QOL generally as well helping keep the AF at bay.

[CDreamer]

CPAP takes some getting used to but for me - the first time I put it on I though - really - it can THIS easy to breath! So I was prepared to persevere. I had a LOT of help from my hospital who supply and maintain all the equipment and mail out replacements for me. I think I tried all types of masks in several sizes before settling on a nasal mask which is about half the size of the full mask. It does mean I need to wear a chin strap as well but because I sleep on my side - much more comfortable.

NHS use ResMed machines but they tend to be older models and rather clumsy so I bought myself the new portable mini this Christmas because I can use it whilst travelling and much, much easier to pack and carry in hand luggage. I sometimes use it during the day as I have another condition which sometimes kicks in when I am in AF and affects my breathing.

mysleep.resmed.com/GB/en/

[souljacs4 in reply to CDreamer]

Can I ask if the mini CPAP is as powerful as the full size model and does it supply the same pressures ?

[CDreamer in reply to souljacs4]

Yes. It is also AirSense technology so more intelligent so it gives you less pressure on the out breath - more like BiPAP so for me - it is better. But it uses tablets for hydration which work out quite expensive when you aren’t using it all the time - but well worth it for travel.

[souljacs4 in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you, I will look on the Res med site.

[1Jerbear in reply to souljacs4]

Here in the U.S. I obtained my Bi-PAP machine through a home medical supply .I mad payments on the machine each month until it was paid off ,now it's mine . The medical insurance companies will pay towards the machine a certain amt . according to you particular policy . They will pay for all the supplies like a new hose, mask, filters every 6 months .That's my insurance .Im sure they are not all the same . Just some info .on it . Also ,it took me several different masks before I settled on one I could use ,called "Nose pillows " It takes about a month to get use to ,once your use to it ,it does make it easier to breathe. If you take naps during the day use the machine . I have had mine for a couple years ,I still have my times with it but its dry mouth and nose and I do use the humidifier bottle that comes with the machine and I have it set at high humidity ,but that's me .Everyone is different . And it is important to use the machine as much as you can .

[Hidden]

Pretty sure my AF was initially caused by sleep apnea when i was nearly 2 stone heavier than i am now, i got rid of the apnea though i still get it if i sleep on my back which i try not to do ! I am fairly convinced that it can cause ab fib to develop ! I am due an ablation soon and they are also going to check if there is any residual sleep apnea still there ! You need to treat it to get rid of ab fib ! If you can concerned you can order a sleep test online and then go to your doctor with the results ! They tend to ignore you (in my experience) if you are a normal weight so you have to be persist with them and arm yourself with some evidence !

andy

[secondtry]

Thank you for raising this and the very useful posted comments re CPAP, which I haven't used yet. I was tested for sleep apnea and was told I didn't have it although the results are difficult to rely on as I had a completely disturbed night so never got into a deep sleep when apnea might occur. I suggest you first try Nasal Strips just to see if that helps.

[voyagersprit]

I have just been signed off the CPAP after 7 years. Had a gastric bypass in Nov 16 and have lost 9 stone. . Have a complete new life now.

[CDreamer in reply to voyagersprit]

Oh WELL done you! Has your AF burden improved consequently?

[voyagersprit in reply to CDreamer]

Yes no episodes for over a year. Still on Apixaban and Bisoprolol. Blood pressure now 116/66

[CDreamer in reply to voyagersprit]

You know I do think it would be really helpful to encourage others to post about your experience on a new thread......

[Gmc54]

There is an app called SnoreLab. There is a free version to try, but if you get the full version there is an option to record more, or even all night long. You can then see if you have sleep apnea. My husband refused to believe just how bad his snoring was until he downloaded this app. He doesn't have afib, ( I'm the one with that delightful affliction) but has found ways to reduce his snoring.

It also proves I don't snore!! 😜😊

[Janith]

I spray magnesium oil on the bottoms of my feet before falling asleep. Sleep like a baby. Try it!!

[Gwelos]

Hi Asdfvv I have AF and when I was going for an ablation in January this year I had a sleep study done only partial. The result was no SA but I have UARS... upper airway resistance syndrome. With that you don't have a drop in sats but your sleep is very fragmented so fatigue and lack of motivation and low mood at times are a problem. I am 3 months over the ablation and so far successful. My EP said the ablation is 60% of the cure and the other 40% is getting your sleep sorted and having a BMI Of 25. I have been to see a dentist who specialising in this and o I am having a mandibular device made to help with breathing. I am off all meds. It's difficult to diagnose UARS but it might be worth it to follow that. I hope this helps

[1Jerbear]

I'm sure i had sleep apnea before A-fib .Did it cause A-fib ?Have no Idea . In order to know If you have sleep A. you have to undergo a sleep test .I would advise you to do research about sleep Apnea because it is nothing to disregard . If you go forward with a sleep test it has to be ordered by a doctor ,and I would also check with my insurance company for coverage ahead of time . Hope this may help you .