Sleep Apnea - Lack of energy and appetite?

I am 34, 145-150 lbs. 5'6" and diagnosed with a light case of Sleep Apnea in 2003. I've been on a CPAP machine now for about 9 mos. I am currently using the ResMed S8 Series C-PAP (pressure: 10) with a nasal pillow mask which seems to be working for me. I average 7-8 hours of sleep per night, but even after sleeping all night I still feel tired all day and find it hard to concentrate and listen. Almost daily, my appetite seems to lessen by dinner and I feel really drained. Sometimes It's like feeling hungry and nausea at the same time (really weird). I've had tests done for thyroid, blood count, etc. which all came back normal. I can't stay up late like I used to and I'm just really trying to get back my energy. I can't remember the last time I actually woke up so refreshed that I was ready to go. I was just wondering if anyone else with apnea is experiencing these symptoms? If so, were you able to correct it? If not, perhaps this is some other problem yet to be diagnosed...?

My husband uses a CPAP machine at night, has for the past 2 years. We are both nurses. I asked him his thoughts and he stated that he feels much more rested than he did before starting CPAP, but can't say he feels totally refreshed and energetic all day. He does take naps after work, and tries to get 7-8 hours of sleep a night.

I'm going to assume you're not a smoker. The hungry/nauseated feeling usually indicates hunger, so even if your appetite doesn't seem great, you should be sure and eat 3 moderate meals a day and two substantial snacks containing protein and a bit of fat and/or complex carbohydrate. Are you exercising? He goes to the Y every other day, and we walk in the evening either on the treadmill or outside. Sometimes exhaustion is self-perpetuating; people feel they're too tired to exercise, and lack of exercise makes one feel tired.

It sounds as though you need to tell your doctor that you're still feeling more tired than you think you should. Have you had an EKG or echocardiogram or any heart studies? Sleep apnea can cause heart problems, although yours was mild and you are correcting the sleep problem. I'm sorry we don't have anything more to offer. Your doctor may be able to dig further into your concerns.

I would have your thyroid test redone or ask for the results. There is some controversy to what the normal range of TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone). Many labs consider it to be 0.5 to 5.0, but a newer range is 0.3 to 3.0. Many people also have symptoms of hypothyroidism with a TSH only over 2.

Hypothyroidism can also worsen sleep apnea.

I have a CPAP machine and am on thyroid medication, the thyroid problems were diagnosed fist, I am still trying to adjust to the CPAP machine for a good nights rest. I tried using nose pillows but apparently I breathe out of my mouth so I have just (3 days) gone to a full mask.

You may need another sleep study with the CPAP machine...your settings may need to be increased on the machine.

Have you gained weight...if so you have more fat tissue in your upper airway that may be, again, obstructing your airways at night and an increase in settings on the CPAP machine are in order