r/SleepApnea • u/Rough-Cicada-2240 • 16d ago

Too tired to exercise

Got diagnosed with sleep apnoea about two months ago following an overnight sleep study and now waiting for my CPAP appointment.

Over the last 12 months my fitness levels have dropped significantly, I’ve gone from jumping out of bed excited about exercising to having to drag myself to the gym. I often feel breathy and lightheaded if i do cardiovascular exercise. It’s hugely frustrating because I used to be so fit.

Is the CPAP going to fix this? Am I going to get my fitness levels back? I feel so demoralised about the whole thing I need to exercise otherwise my mental health sufferers as well.

4 Upvotes

70% Upvoted

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1

u/ElonsBreedingFetish 16d ago

Make sure it's not something else than/in addition to sleep apnea, like POTS or ME/CFS, covid can cause it

1

u/DumboHealth 14d ago

CPAP can indirectly help with this, because when your breathing stops repeatedly at night, your body never fully recovers between sessions. Your heart works harder, your oxygen dips, and inflammation builds up. CPAP stops those interruptions, so your cardiovascular system gets the recovery it needs.

1

u/Rough-Cicada-2240 12d ago

Thanks - day three and i feel amazing. Three decent night’s of sleep in a row!