I've had chronic sleep deprivation for at least two months. Mine seems closely tied to salivation issues. It started this way: when I nodded off to sleep, I jerked awake almost immediately due to feeling like I would choke or gag on my thick saliva, and/or this saliva would start dribbling out of my mouth.
To compensate, I take long rests during the day.
About 2 weeks ago my salivation pattern changed, but only somewhat. However, it was enough that I now fall asleep for as much as an hour at a time -- a luxury. I still use a thick towel under my head because of sporadic dribbling.
Caution: be extremely careful when driving in a sleep-deprived state. For the time being, I minimize my driving. And on Texas freeways where I used to cruise at 70, I now average 50-55. Also, I have to be vigilant against nodding off at the wheel.
Age 61, stg IV SCC (tonsillar, invasive at back of tongue, spread to neck lymph nodes); Dx Nov. 2008, nonsmoker since 1974, very light drinker, no other health issues; no surgery, no PEG, 4 cycles chemo (TPF), then weekly chemo + 7 weeks radiation (2 per day) incl IMRT = 70 doses total, done 6/4/09
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