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I Have A Two Part Question; I Recently Went To A Sleep Medicine Doctor Who Mentioned That He Has Many MS Patients.

A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
Wisconsin Dells, WI

I have a two part question; I recently went to a sleep medicine doctor who mentioned that he has many MS patients.
My questions are:
Do many of you need a CPAP machine to manage your sleeping? & Does it help manage your MS symptoms also due to more restful sleep?
Also he mentioned that I have Restless Leg syndrome and wondered if how many were also diagnosed with it or suspected you have it?
Thanks, Tracy

August 25, 2013
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A MyMSTeam Member

I went to a Sleep Neuro last week and we went through all of my symptoms including my habit of taking more than the prescribed dose of Ambien along with OTC sleep/pain meds and benadryl. He suggested that I stop the Ambien since it was no longer working and put me on an antidepressant which I have fought taking since my dx. I have actually slept better in the past few days than I have all year! He also referred me to a center for Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) which I have not pursued yet. He ruled out Restless Leg (I seem to have 'Restless Body') and the need for a CPAP machine. I agree with @JanetPaoli, the benefits of sleep are essential.

August 26, 2013
A MyMSTeam Member

I have had two sleep studies done since my dx and I have apnea and "ran a marathon" in my sleep, according to the nurse. So I do take Ropinirole an hour before bed for RLS and it helps me not get tangled in the bed sheets on the nights my husband is at work or nearly kick him out on the nights he's not. But with my chronic allergies and sinus problems we were never able to regulate my breathing enough for a CPAP machine. I am actually headed to see an new ENT today with hopes of figuring it out so I get better sleep and have less fatigue. Good luck!

August 26, 2013
A MyMSTeam Member

I do not have a CPAP machine, but have had restless leg syndrome for years. Still trying to get it under control. I try different meds but nothing seems to totally help. I have had a very difficult time trying to get a decent sleep with this problem. I wish you luck dealing with this and if you find anything that seems to work for you let me know. I don't know if this is part of MS diagnosis or not, but I have known many people with MS who have this problem.

August 26, 2013
A MyMSTeam Member

Tiffini, you might want to check back in with your sleep doctor as they have made quite a few advances and you may find a mask and machine that may help now. I have allergies and sinus problems also. I am still hoping to work around them as my doctor said that benedryl and Zytec type medicines trigger RLS. So now I have to worry which problem will get triggered at which time.

September 5, 2013
A MyMSTeam Member

I went to a Sleep Clinic before I was diagnosed with MS ... just to rule out stuff .. Sleep apnea is very common and also can be deadly if not addressed.... Not sure if it helps with MS or not, but give it a try ..

September 1, 2013

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