What's the differance between Awakenings and Arousals ?

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
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Hugh Jass
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What's the differance between Awakenings and Arousals ?

Post by Hugh Jass » Mon Dec 20, 2004 7:37 am

Anyone know the differance between an awakening and an arousal ?

In the 4.5 hours I managed to sleep, I had 42 awakenings and 135 arousals (69 spontaneous, 65 Respiratory and 1 PLM). What's the difference between the two ?

I only remember actually waking up twice during the study.

(If pertinent - There were 27 stage 1 shifts with 143 stage changes; all events were Hypopneas 11 central, 4 Obstructive and 62 UARS)

Thanks in advance for the help..still a newbie to all this stuff.

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Hugh Jass
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Post by Hugh Jass » Fri Feb 25, 2005 1:43 pm

I'll answer my own question in case anyone wanted to know as well.

I saw my sleep doc last week and received an explanation.

An Arousal is an abrupt change from a "deeper" stage of non-REM sleep to a "lighter" stage (Normally to stage 1).

An awakening is an arousal that lasts for more than 15 seconds.

So apart from all the stage shifts and micro arousals I experienced during my sleep study, I was in an awake state, for more than 15 seconds, about every 6-7 minutes.

Needless to say, I don't remember these awakenings (only two of them as stated)

Regards
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Liam1965
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Post by Liam1965 » Fri Feb 25, 2005 2:08 pm

I'm glad you answered it. The temptation to give an entirely flippant answer was... nearly overwhelming, as was the suggestion that one treats awakenings with Ambien, arousals with viagra.

Liam, awake and aroused.

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NapsWithRabbits
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Post by NapsWithRabbits » Sat Feb 26, 2005 1:11 am

Thanks, Mr. Jass

I had been wondering about that too.
... too tired to Dance With Wolves.

Mikesus
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Post by Mikesus » Sat Feb 26, 2005 6:10 am

Liam1965 wrote:I'm glad you answered it. The temptation to give an entirely flippant answer was... nearly overwhelming, as was the suggestion that one treats awakenings with Ambien, arousals with viagra.

Liam, awake and aroused.
Liam, if you hit the point of arousal, viagra is not indicated... It is just for those who can't get there.

unclebob
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Post by unclebob » Fri Jul 07, 2006 11:05 pm

Hi Hugh Jass,

Haven't seen you around for a while. Have you been timing yourself or something? Pretty high faluting specifications you seem to adhere to. Are you using a bona fide approved stopwatch or just the ol Timex?

Liam, Great to see a post from you!!! It's been awhile.

Anyway, Hugh - I'm a little concerned about your doctor. These 15 second arousals before waking up seem a bit premature. Just what age group is your Doc primarily dealing with anyway?

I remember, way back when, well not waaay back. You know, after all the wet dreams and all. In the wet dream era, seems I could be aroused all night and never wake up. Did get a bit of a start when mom screamed at me to get ready for school and what the hell did I do to my shorts and the bed. Damned if I knew, but the dreams were vivid- just like on xPAP! Seemed OK at the time.

Later on, I could be awake AND aroused for hours on end, both at the same time. Those were the good old days!! Never really understood PAP's in those days but recall my breathing was quite heavy and never worried about sinus congestion. Maybe a little rainout from time to time and some leakage, but that was it.

Now, it's a different story. I can be awake for hours on end and if I can get aroused for the 15 seconds you mentioned, I consider myself lucky.

So, you see what I mean? Just what are the demographics of your doc's patients? He/she may have the timing all wrong in your case.

Good luck on your arousals!

Bob F

P.S. - I know what you mean by those micro arousals - just hate them! Seems if I blink, I miss them. Sometimes I blink all night and never get any sleep.

unclebob

unclebob
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Post by unclebob » Fri Jul 07, 2006 11:10 pm

Hi All,

Just went back and noticed the dates on the above posts. Looks like I need a new Timex.

Sorry for not paying attention.

Bob F
unclebob

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Post by Guest » Sat Jul 08, 2006 12:10 am

Anyone know the differance between an awakening and an arousal ?
a dog barking next door when you are tying to sleep
the result of taking viagra


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Liam1965
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Post by Liam1965 » Thu Jul 13, 2006 7:13 pm

unclebob wrote:Liam, Great to see a post from you!!! It's been awhile.
I don't know what you're talking about, I don't post here any more. Including this one. It's entirely your imagination.

Liam, purely the product of an LSD flashback.


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unclebob
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Post by unclebob » Thu Jul 13, 2006 11:11 pm

Hi All,

You won't believe this! Don't tell a soul, well maybe bona fide members and one or two guests - but that's it. This is serious!!! I can make a ton of dough and then upgrade to a brand new Resmed. Well, maybe not the mask as everything starts to get too pricy but I do have my own hose and can make do with a Zip Lock and just punch a few holes in it. Might work.

Secret is - stop using the ol paperino for two days then go back on. That's right. On, then off, then back on again. And repeat.

What happens is, and for sure you remember this when you first started using the mask - the vivid dreams! Like you never had before, well at least since Sally in the seventh grade.

Sure worked for me. Almost like one of those out of body experiences. A vivid dream, gripping imagination, apparition or the very least a flashback to the sixties.

I swear I saw a post from Liam1965. Not exactly sure when it happened as my Timex broke, but it was very recent. Well, I think it was recent. Just can't be sure- damn broken Timex. Or was it just my imagination. Maybe just another flashback. Probably a dream. I think I'm just going to put my mask back on and get back to reality.

Bob F

unclebob