[davidlaw69]

Last spring I was diagnosed with sever obstructive sleep apnea (this is not an apnea question, although the fact of it may inform any response). I went on a diet and exercise regiment and in 3 months went from 203 lbs to 178 lbs. During that period, I slept fine with the use of a CPAP machine.

Starting in November, I began developing other sleep problems. I had a few nights of insomnia, where I could not get to sleep until 4 in the morning. That changed. Now I had no problem getting to sleep (usually between 11 pm and midnight), but I would sleep only 60-90 minutes, then wake up and could not get back to sleep until 4-5 am.

My doctor prescribed Ambien (10 mg ). The first week it had no effect, but finally I was able to get to sleep and stay asleep. But I would wake up consistently between 6-7 am, even on days when I wanted/needed to sleep in. But whenever I would experiment with a night without Ambien, I would revert to the practice of sleeping 60-90 minutes then awaking.

My doctor prescribed Lexipro with the Ambien, with the idea that it would eventually replace the Ambien. I have been on both for a couple weeks. Saturday night I experiments with only 5 mg Ambien. True to form, I slept only 60-90 minutes, then awoke unti around 5 am.

So, a couple of questions. First, has anyone had any similar experience and thoughts they can share? Second, do you think that Ambien is the best drug (I am thinking I need something more geared to keeping me asleep rather than putting me asleep, if there is such a drug)?