Is Insomnia part of MS symptoms

I have gotten such good info on this site, so I'm going to pose this question. I wake up every night and can't get back to sleep. I thought maybe it's menopause. I had labs for hormonal stuff and they were normal. My vitamin D was at a very low level. I'm now taking vitamin D 2,000 iu a day. Is insomnia common with MS.

[Lulu54]

I don't know that it is a common symptom but I certainly don't think it is uncommon.  

Our brain sometimes is engaged whether it should be sleeping or not, and that can disrupt a good night's rest.  The worst for me is when I start thinking when I shouldn't .... like this morning at 4:15 AM.  LOL

Many of the drugs we take have the possible side effect of insomnia, as well.  So you might want to check those out and see if something in your drugs could be the culprit.

Also check your sleep hygiene - the standard list includes no caffeine in the evenings, watch your diet for any other food stimulants, alcohol can give us fitful sleep too.  Turn off the tv and don't exercise late in the day.  


That's my take on insomnia - it comes and goes in spurts so hopefully you will be back to sleeping well soon.  If it lasts longer, be sure to talk to your doctor about it- there may be a mild sleeping aid you could use in the interim.

be rested,
Lulu

[COBOB]

Also look for other causes.  Leg spasticity, pain, etc. can interrupt healthy sleep.  My sleep really improved with a little Flexeril (10mg) at bed times.

Bob

[opie74]

It was a major problem with me.  Even if the MS does not cause it, the exhaustion that lack of sleep can create will agrivate the MS.  My doc gave me a mild sleep aid.  He first had me take benedryl for a few days to see if it helped any; then he gave me Lunesta.  I just started a flair up, and an currently not sleeping well.  This time, however, I think the lack of sleep is from the 6-mo preg. belly :-)

[COBOB]

Better off with the Lunesta.  There are some studies that show Benedryl will get you to sleep, but has an adverse effect on REM sleep.  

Bob

[essdipity]

Sleep disorders in general are quite common in MS.

Often sleep is interrupted by pain, need to use bathroom, or other 'collateral' issues. Sleep problems frequently occur with depression, which is extremely common in MS patients.

Some MSers appear to have primary sleep issues, meaning none of the other possible reasons apply. I would think this type would arise out of a brain lesion, but I don't have solid info on that. Sleep is a very complicated process, and even the experts can't explain all the factors.

We have members here who seem to sleep way too much, and others who are just as exhausted yet cannot sleep well. I've been on both ends of this one myself. Luckily there are good sleep meds out there.

ess

[Lulu54]

$$$ tip: if you do take Lunesta and are in the US and on private insurance, there is a copay program for this drug.  They will pay up to $50 of your monthly copay.  

There was an issue of the NMSS magazine that devoted its cover story to sleep and MS - you can read it at:

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/multimedia-library/momentum-magazine/back-issues/momentum-winter-2009/index.aspx

[sllowe]

Was a major problem for me. During my 1st attack it was all I could do to keep my eyes open after 7pm.  I can't remember the time-frame, but say a yr. later I could not sleep. I struggled terribly to fall asleep and stay asleep for a good year.  It ***** the life out of me.

Do bring it up to your neuro. Sometimes sleep behaviors or meds help. I tried it all. Nothing really "worked." And, there really was no rhyme or reason to why it was happening so I do feel it was directly related to my MS. Like Ess says sleep disorders in MS can be commonplace.

I'm doing much, much better now. Not on sleep meds any longer, but it was a very long haul.

Rest is so important, so I sure hope you can get some, somehow.
-Shell

[Audrey_M]

I'm not dx'd, but can say that I have no regular sleep pattern anymore. The lack of a regular sleep cycle can and does contribute to fatigue, which then sets up a vicious cycle at times.

Many women do experience awakening in the night during menopause and insomnia. This did happen to me, but is completely different from when I wake up now and cannot fall back asleep. During menopause, I was wide awake and would get out of bed for several hours and was usually able to go back to sleep again. Now when I awaken, for the most part I stay in bed, and if I do fall back asleep again, it is usually during my last "regular" hour of sleep.

I've also noticed that I seem to dream a lot less these days, probably because of changes in the amount of REM sleep I am getting.