OSA; SLeeping Medication, etc. *****I WOULD LIKE DR BLAIVAS TO ANSWER THIS QUESTION******

Dear Dr. Blaivas:

I had a sleep study done last year and I have obstructive sleep apnea. The night of the test, I did not sleep at all. I could not tolerate the mask and the oxygen running through my nose. I haven't used the CPAP machine in a year. However, I did look on the internet and they have Nasal Pillows. I talked with a RT and she said to be comfortable, they have a Mirage Swift 11 Nasal Pillow or a newer Nasal Aire 11 Interface. That is fine, but I do not know if this is the solution. My main [problem is I get about 3 hours of sleep per night. I will read purposely or use the computer until midnight and I am up 3:00am every morning. I do not take naps during the day. My psychiatrist gave me Provigil 200 mg which has NO effect, in fact I was in a car accident two weeks ago and demolished my car because I fell a sleep. I went once to a sleep psychiatrist for an evaulation and he told me no matter what sleeping pill I took, it would not work and he was right. He said I have PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGICAL INSOMNIA. Well, isn't there something that can be done for that? The advice he gave me I thought was very immature, He siad to get in bed and if you can't sleep, read a book, and than get back in bed, the same procedure. It does not work for me. I am more worried about sleeping than the OSA. I had to give up teaching; I was studying for the Catholic priesthood and had to leave. I think that it is unfair that there is nothing for sleep. Can't they use other combimations of meds in lieu of sleeping pills because sleeping pills DO NOT WORK. Also, my not using the CPAP machine, can one die from this?  I know that it is not suppose to make one sleep, but if the running of the oxygen keeps me up, what is the purpose in using this machine?  You would think they would have newer techniques. I know that have a technique for the teeth, but I do not know if I qualify for this and I know it is very expensive.  Will anything happen by not using this machine? And, isn't there something that would make me sleep? I have chronic anxiety; chronic depression; BiPolar Disorder; high blood pressure; chronic renal failure. Another thing I do not understand is they say depression is the  sinpliest thing to get rid of. My psychiatrist has tried ALL new meds and he said my body is resisting these meds. This I do not believe. So, I am not taking anything for major depression or BiPolar Disorder which I think is unfair to live with. I forgot to mention that I also have Diabetes Type 11. I have gone to this psychiatrist for 5 years and I feel the same as I did 5 years ago. No difference.

I just cannot function without any sleep. As I said, the Provigil 200mg is lke taking nothing--I know it cannot be increased. Now, I am afraid to drive in fear of this happening again. I am very disgusted that there is NO depression med that can helpp me. If you have time, I would appreciate hearing from you. God bless you in your efforts. With kind personal regards, I am, Respectfully yours, Charles A Rose