Sleep apnea

[mondkmondk]

My FIL thinks everyone has sleep apnea...I agree to the extent that probably most people have had episodes while sleeping where their breathing is irregular etc...well, anyway, I had my sleep study last night and while I have to wait 2 weeks for the actual results, the examiner said I never stopped breathing (yay!).

Anyway, my FIL sounded very disappointed to hear this; he was convinced I had it. He has it and is on a CPAP every time he sleeps. He also has a slew of other medical problems (diabetes, CHF, lung cancer etc.). He told me today that he feels that everytime he was grumpy or verbally abusive in the past, before his sleep apnea was diagnosed, that his sleep apnea CAUSED him to be verbally abusive. I think he likes to play the "blame game" and project blame onto anyone or anything, but himself.

My SIL (his daughter) weighs around 350 lbs. and says he was terrible to her and my hubby (his son) growing up. In fact, she feels like he is partly to blame for her obesity because he was so mean (blame game all over again here too).

My question is this: Do you think, or know for a fact, that sleep apnea can cause these things? Or do they both sound totally mental?

Thanks in advance!

Blessings, Michelle

[jstbreathe]

People with sleep apnea wake up multiple times a night. it can cause irritability mainly from being so damn exhausted. Not saying that is the caucse of your blame game. Just a thought.

[P_RN, ADN, RN]

My internist says not, my cardiologist insists everyone should get a sleep study, my pumonologist says that's ridiculous. I just had an appointment for one and was told I didn't need it....so.....I am absolutely as confused as you are.

I have noticed that once people develop a disease process they are anxious to pass on any "knowledge" however accurate or inaccurate. It's kind of like once you buy a red car, you notice ALL the red cars out there? Huh?

This sounds like you r case but I certainly cannot offer any medical advice here.

[CHATSDALE]

not everyone has sleep apnea but if family member says you snore, or if you wake up unrested it may be a good idea to have a sleep study done to rule that out

[MrsMommaRN]

Sleep apnea can lead to a lot of problems. Because the person never gets a sound sleep this can lead to irritability, headaches, increased BP, and even chest pain.

I am happy to read your test went well. As for your FIL he sounds like an unhappy person that feels guilty about his behavior and has to blame it on something other than himself.

[NCRN0802, BSN, RN]

I have sleep apnea and it does cause alot of changes in the way you act and react to different stressors. Just think how irritable you are when you havent slept good for a couple nights in a row. Now imagine not ever getting a good nights sleep? It would make the nicest person a little cranky.:zzzzz