MS and Sleep Apnea

[Hez64]

I have MS and recently saw an ENT specialist who thinks Sleep Apnea may be contributing to my fatigue. Im waiting on a CAT scan. Im just wondering if anyone has experience with this. Thanks

[Hez64]

Thanks Lulu for your reply. Poppy, mine is worse like you when I have a cold, but the specialist said I may not be aware I have it until I get tested. It may actually be happening throughout my sleeping. I am a noisey sleeper my husband says but he just wears ear plugs! I am meeting with my neuro today and think I best mention this to him to get his thoughts. I will keep you posted. Hez  

[Poppy7402]

I have sleep apnoea, causing me to wake up choking several times a night, but it only occurs when I'm unwell.  I haven't investigated whether it's actually there all the time (minus the choking) but will do so at some point.

Poppy

[Lulu54]

I actually try to use it every night.  If we are traveling and out for just a day or two, I don't always take it with me.  But I definitely haul it on longer trips. There are several types of masks - I use the full one - the half and the nasal pillows both caused me to open my mouth to exhale.  

Lately I have had a bit of problem wearing it all night, thanks to some aching teeth, which the dentist says comes from a misaligned bite or clenching my jaw. The mask sort of pushed on the same spot for me and I've been taking it off. But last night I kept it on until my alarm went off this morning.  

[Hez64]

Thanks Lulu, Im a little surprised by it all, Im now a little impatient awaiting the CAT scan and see what the specialist has in mind for treatment. I just thought he would do a sinus flush or maybe make one side of my nostril more open as I only have air only going through one side, must have had a blow to it sometime in the past. Anything to help improve my breathing and stopping me from getting a good night sleep Im up for.
Do you use it every night Lulu and is it comfortable?    

[Lulu54]

MS and sleep problems are quite common - in fact it is suggested that we should all be evaluated for sleep apnea.  The NMSS devoted an issue of their magazine on this topic a while back but unfortunately their online archives only go back six issues.  

I was waking each morning with headaches and still tired.  The sleep study showed I have OSA and I have been using a cpap for about 18 months.  It makes a big difference on the nights I am able to use it.  

Good luck with the sleep study - it will give you answers one way or another.

[Hez64]

Thanks Corrie for your reply. This came as a surprise to me as never thought there could be another reason for my fatigue. I originally was sent to him as my GP thought he could help with my sinus problems , but he surprised me by wanting to test for this. I will let you know how I get on. Good to know Im not alone. BEst wishes Hez      

[Corriel]

Hi there! I was diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea about two and a half years ago and have been using a CPAP machine ever since.

Like yours, my fatigue was crazy but it only got a bit better with the CPAP.

I was diagnosed with MS about 6 months ago and I think that might be why I didn't notice much improvement at the time, and I cannot imagine how much worse my fatigue would have been without the machine.

Good luck with your testing and let me know how you make out.

Corrie