Well, I am hoping this is good news. We seem to have ppl that are struggling, so maybe this gives them "hope".
I had my sleep examination (48 hours assessment) in October, and I have the results of sorts back.
I will need the expert advice of perhaps Sue or Jules, if they are not too busy.
The polysomnography study did show some PLM they were not severe. No parasomnia behaviour (Neither REM nor behaviour disorder).
Q1) I think this means theres no trace, but does it mean that it still exists? thats one question.
There is evidence of Obstructive sleep apnoea. (For the benefit of others "In an hour I stop breathing five times, each for more than ten seconds") .
Q2) I can't see this as dangerous, is it? It just makes me "more tired than an ordinary person". Lack of pure sleep? Theres no danger to life? I've possibly lived with it for 10+ years, if not my whole life?
I am hoping this suggests that the REM sleep was due to stress whilst I was in employment (I retired 3 years ago. My last incident of REM was in May 2023.
I have written back to the clinic, but could it be "No more REM?"
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Dr Jose Thomas, a sleep expert at Gwent sleep clinic, has stated that sleep apnoea, if treated, relieves RLS and PLMD.So if you're offered a CPAP machine to help breathing, definitely use it.
I can't comment on the sleep study showing no parasomnia as I don't know anything about that condition.
But do write down any questions you want to raise as a result of the study. The sleep doctors will answer them.
By REM do you mean RBD? REM Sleep Behavior Disorder? If so, consider yourself very fortunate not to have any trace of that! RBD is a rare disorder that will, for lack of a more scientific term, morph into either Parkinson’s Disease or Lewy Body Dementia within 7-14 years of onset in around 80-90 percent of cases. I am unfortunately suffering from this disorder. Currently, I am in a national study at the Mayo Clinic which hopes to catch any changes early to attempt to treat or slow down the progression. I also have Obstructive Sleep Apnea, PLMD, and RLS. Needless to say, my sleep quality is very poor. I wish you the best in your journey and please get the sleep apnea treated. With each apnea, your brain and all of your other organs are severely deprived of oxygen. Not good for the long term.
PLMS REM all are under the same category here, as they have similar treatments/disorders. This is how Healthunlocked lists it, unfortunately I have no control over that (or the Rapid Eye Movement (REM sleep))....Ha ha!
It may be helpful to clarify that you mean no "REM sleep behaviour disorder " as opposed to no "REM". Because everyone needs REM sleep.
And it's important to have the sleep apnea treated. Several studies have shown an association between sleep apnea and problems like type 2 diabetes , strokes , heart attacks and even a shortened lifespan.
Let me try to spell it all for the newbies, as best as I can, though the technical terms may be inaccurate.
We all REM sleep, REM standing for Rapid Eye Movement. This is when we start dreaming stories, funny or otherwise. Our body naturally paralyses us, so we don't enact it on the bed with physical movements.
Unfortunately for me in REM sleep this has not been happening (I start acting out what I dream). Last time for example I dreamed I was sea fishing (my hobby- check out my name-Spurdog is a type of fish). The trouble was my leg was acting out the fishing rod, up to the ceiling (as best it could).
I agree with Joolsg. and Amrob. You do need to take care of your sleep apnea. That is dangerous and could be life threatening. You will probably be described aa cpap machine. It can take some getting used to.
I was also told by my sleep doctor that using my CPAP machine would reduce RLS. Unfortunately that's not the case. However, after adjusting to using CPAP, I can say my sleep (except for RLS) is much improved, as is my overall health. OSA (obstructive sleep apnea) is a serious condition. Much research confirms this. The trick to successful therapy is finding a mask that works for you - there are many brands and styles. Also, avoid Phillips brand machines (safety issues). Let me know if you want more info and recommendations. It took me about 4 months to settle on the right mask.
Thanks Richard, I appreciate the offer. I might just take you up on it. I suppose I have to wait for the referral to the NHS hosp. Another 2 yrs? (not needing reply). Would you DM, please?
I am an ENT surgeon. 5 apnoeas/hr of 10s+ is normal 👍 REM -Rapid Eye Movement is normal, about 25% of sleep, when you dream and important for memory, processing the day.
Hi RLSLearner, may i pick your brain a bit more by DM? Some confidential stuff. I know as an ENT surgeon your time is so precious. Also for all with REM sleep disorder, can it be induced by stress, and vanish once the stress is gone?
Another point why this topic may be linked in with PLMD is the medical treatment can use the same drug for REM sleep disorder as PLMD, I use Pramipexole.
Just be aware of the signs of augmentation as up to 70% of people on pramipexole will suffer from it. The signs of augmentation are when you have to keep increasing your dose to get relief, or when your symptoms occur earlier in the day or there is a shorter period of rest or inactivity before symptoms start or when they move to other parts of your body (arms, trunk or face) or when the intensity of your symptoms worsen.
Thanks sue. The level seems to be holding well. The conaultant said "it shouldnt harm (the current dose). But he does think theres no harm,but can cut down.
My time is not worth any more than anyone else! PM if you like. I am not an expert in REM disorder but everything is made worse by stress especially sleep issues. True REMSD is probably more complicated than just being caused by stress. Melatonin is often first line for REMSD but may not do the job, stopping serotonin antidepressants if possible. Dopamine agonists are a 'concern' obviously in the RLS community, I am not familiar with using Pramipexole in REMSD
I agree with the replies you have had on sleep apnoea. I suffer from this and have been supplied with a CPCP machine . Whilst I have got used the the mask I have found that my RLS "outguns" any gains from the mask. i seldom use the mask despite commentsI that use should help my RLS. I suppose I should kee trying it.
I am writing to "self" here! but am overwhelmed by the responses and wonderful support from everyone. I may not know much more next week, when I hear from Radcliffe (if they decide that they are happy to correspond further to straighten out the "few questions lingering".
I have a watch that tells me how many minutes I am in REM sleep each night and deep sleep etc.....can't say it is accurate but I was NEVER in a Normal REM sleep range. But after using Magnesium Glycinate before bed, there are MANY nights now where I am in the green zone... wearing a sleep mask helps as well. After having covid Last month I did start having some "acting" out of my dreams ( for the 1st time in a long time). So, I started taking some B -vitamins ( helps with stress) and B1- Benfotamine along with Magnesium supplements. Things in my brain seem to have calmed down.
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I hope no one has RLS for as long as I've had it.
