sleep apena and lupus

[CYN915]

I've been diagnosed with lupus about 2 1/2 years ago, and i had 2 sleep studies done and found out that i have sleep apena. My question is how does the sleep apena affects the lupus, or does it affects the lupus. And will the sleep apena go away or will i have it for the rest of my life.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Tiredness and fatigue that you are experiencing in the morning are due to sleep apnea and not due to use of CPAP device.Pls log on to the URL given below and you will find some good tips on usage of CPAP and the ways to maintain a stress free sleep.

http://www.mwcsd.com/education.htm

Restless leg syndrome is a condition that is characterized by an irresistible urge to move one's body to stop uncomfortable or odd sensations. It most commonly affects the legs, but can also be in the arms and torso. Restless leg syndrome also features worsening of symptoms during the early evening or later at night. The characteristic nighttime worsening of symptoms in persons with restless legs syndrome frequency leads to insomnia.

Hope I have provided you with sufficient information.In case you have any additional queries,then pls post us.

Take care and regards.

[CYN915]

I'm currently on the CPAP treatment, but i have one concern. Do you suppose to be more tired and fatigue in the morning time, since i've been on the CPAP treatment thats how i've been feeling when i get up in the morning and throughout the day, but when its time for me to go to bed i toss and turn until i go to sleep and wake up very early (6:00 a.m) and then i go back to sleep for about another hour and a half. But when i do get up i'm more tired than ever. Is that normal. And can you please tell me what is restless leg syndrome.

[KatEyes]

Not sure about if or how sleep apnea affects lupus, but untreated sleep apnea stresses the body in so many ways and makes it hard for the body to work as designed. Treating it can only be good for you as a whole.

There are some people whose SA has a cause that, when no longer present, relieves the SA, but just from what I've read, that's not the common course. Whatever course of treatment one chooses, it is important to follow up and make sure the treatment is effective. As important is to start treatment immediately. Even if another course may be chosen down the line, CPAP treatment can be used until then, and who knows, one may decide to just continue with it.  I've used it for a few years and while there was an adjustment phase, I now find it quite comfortable and very effective.

It would be hard to say if SA is for forever with you. As with most things in life, we do what we've gotta do till we don't have to do it any longer.

kindd - Can you explain how SLE can cause RLS and/or SA? That's very interesting. I'm guessing with the RLS it would have to do with kidney function? Trying to figure out the SA connection. Thanks.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

In addition to the effects on the skin and the joints,it has been proven that SLE can cause restless leg syndrome and sleep apnea.

You are already taking the treatment for SLE.Treatment for sleep apnea involves CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) CPAP uses a small mask held onto the nose by straps, and has pouches that insert into the nostrils. The mask is connected to a motor that regulates the amount and pressure of air sent into the nose, exerting pressure to keep the nasal passages open. The pressure is determined by polysomnography.

Other treatment options include Automatic Titrating (Auto)-CPAP Pressure Device,oral appliances and surgery like uvulopalatopharyngoplasty and maxillomandibular advancement.I feel that you need to consult an ENT or sleep specialist and discuss  these options with them.

Pls let us know if you have any more doubts.

Take care and God bless.