Sleep issues: My wife has a tentative... - Multiple System A...

Multiple System Atrophy Trust

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Sleep issues

Scragger profile image
8 Replies

My wife has a tentative diagnosis of MSA. She has serious issues with excessive daytime and early evening sleeping. We will get the results of a sleep study this week. It is possible that there will be confirmation of sleep apnea, mainly because of her night time breathing stopping, for up to 30 seconds, pre MSA “diagnosis”.

If it is recommended that my wife needs a CPAP machine, which she is not keen on using, can anyone tell me if they have been in a similar situation and did a CPAP machine have any benefit? Did it stop the daytime sleeping? Is the night time sleep apnea problem a completely separate issue from the MSA daytime sleeping or are they both linked?

Thanks in advance for any info.

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Scragger
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8 Replies
thedjsupreme profile image
thedjsupreme

I'm in the same situation. The biggest problem is lying awake at night with a terminal illness. I Would like to hear any feedback

Paul_and_Sue_Wood profile image
Paul_and_Sue_Wood

Hi

My wife had breathing irregularities also and it was causing me anxiety as I was waiting for her to breathe. After chatting with the GP we decided to leave alone as her O2 levels were stable. They did suggest a machine which sue wasn't keen on and they also suggested ways to sleep to help.

MSA does make sufferers tired and they can just drop off at anytime.

Paul

Reader103 profile image
Reader103

Hi, I found I was getting up late morning and then sleeping during the day. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea and now use a CPAP machine and have found it makes a real difference. I get up early and no longer need to sleep during the day. It is well worth using the CPAP.

1956km profile image
1956km

sleep apnea is very much associated with msa I can tell you that with modern masks only sitting under the nose it is very easily to use Cpap now and there is a risk to life by not using it . She will feel better once on Cpap

Jud11 profile image
Jud11

Hi

My husband who suffers with MSA was sleeping most of the day away, I had him tested for Sleep Apnea and the result was that he was suffering with severe Sleep Apnea. He was issued with a mask and this has made an enormous difference to the quality of his life. He now rarely sleeps during the day and his appetite has improved enormously.

The mask does take some getting used to both for user and carer but I can honestly say it is worth it.

Kind regards.

Judith

Scragger profile image
Scragger

Hi again

We got the result of the sleep study today. Although my wife only slept for 37% of the time it was sufficient to make a diagnosis of moderate to severe sleep apnea. A CPAP machine was recommended, at least for a one month trial. We’ll consider that while we wait to see our neurologist for review next week. I’m going to make a new post about awareness of MSA.

mandg profile image
mandg

Graham uses a CPAP machine, but we haven't noticed any difference in him staying awake during the day. I have a problem with it as it doesn't stay fitted and so am constantly having to re adjust during the night which is a pain and so I take it off him sometimes . The hospital says the breathing is improved by it. Caught between noisy breathing or noisy CPAP machine.!!

Scragger profile image
Scragger in reply tomandg

I did ask if the CPAP machine would make a difference with the daytime sleeping or would it only be effective with night time sleeping. The response was that the machine would have to be used to see what happens. My understanding is that daytime sleeping is a symptom of MSA and that would still continue on. Pleased to be told I’m wrong, Good luck. And shouldn’t the new models of machine be quiet?

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