why test for sleep apnea with us MS'ers?

[Ufrustrated2]

why would a doctor request a patient, me, to get a sleep apnea study?  

[Princepaso]

My sleep doc diagnosed that I do not get ream sleep or at least enough
I am on lunestsa after a couple of trial and errors
He and his np treat many non apnea ms patients
I am not there yet with a good night sleep as my other meds upset my sleep pattern
Hope this helps
Kirsten

[wildcat2x]

My MD doctor also had me do the sleep apnea test when I told him that I wasn't able to sleep.  Good news he stated I was breathing just fine, but this didn't change the fall asleep/stay asleep problem.  Just checking all the bases I guess...though don't think I slept well that night either.  

My MD kept asking me why I couldn't sleep, I told him I don't know, I'm tired, yawning, but can't sleep.  And before he could say anything, I told him I've tried counting back from 100 by 3s, 600 by 6's, meditation, even melatonin but no luck.  I think this was more due to some insurance changes that restrict the sleep medication.

It's always a good idea to get things checked out so you know whats going on.

[BOK2Bjan]

Hi - just to add - I too have sleep apnea and MS.  (and many other things)  Never forget that just because you have one dx doesn't mean you can't have other issues.  It's very important to keep looking for reasons for serious symptoms.  I wasn't dx with a lot of things just because my doc kept putting everything under the heading of systemic sclerosis, which I also have.  Let them test!!

And I finally have a mask I don't mind.  I use Bi-PAP now and O2 with it and let me tell you - I also regurgitate and aspirate frequently and make a mess of all the equipment.  Life can be a real challenge!  I hope you get answers and can get help for fatigue.  Sometimes there's just nothing you can do - except exercise as possible and take the best possible care of yourself.

[Lulu54]

Did you catch that I did a sleep study back in January and now have my very own CPAP machine ?  I had talked to the neuro about my fatigue, waking with mild headaches almost every morning, and wanting to go to sleep at work or driving home.  (fortunately I did neither). He ordered the sleep study, and sure enough apnea is a problem I have.

This week, though, I have incredible fatigue going on, despite the CPAP help.  I'm hoping it's just a hangover effect from last week's vacation trip.  

Are you going to do the study?  

[doublevision1]

If you're experiencing a lot of fatigue, the purpose of the study could be to help determine if the problem is due to sleep apnea or true MS fatigue.  Only way to know for sure though, is to ask him/her why they ordered it.