I am one of the 50% of MS patients that experience a variety of sleep disorders due to the damage that Multiple Sclerosis has had on my body. 

Whether the ability to fall asleep, stay asleep and wake with a clear head or sleep apnea which keeps me from entering the REM cycle. All of these can cause my MS fatigue to be worse during the day. Let’s not forget the stress of thinking about not sleeping that can result in nights of restlessness.

I was diagnosed with sleep apnea several years ago after my husband woke with me not breathing. A specialist recommended a full face CPAP machine to add humidity because I am an open mouth sleeper.

Two nights of this contraption was enough for me to realize I needed to try another option. So my next machine was a nose only which I could not keep in place or keep the suction required to operate it sufficiently. I was offered one more option that was similar to a nasal cannula. No luck with this one either. 

I don’t know how anyone has successfully used any of these crazy options.

At this point we decided to purchase a sleep-number bed which allows me to raise my head for breathing and my legs raised to prevent edema. Finally, something that worked!

The remaining sleep issues of getting to sleep and staying asleep are not a problem as two medications that I take before bed help me with any discomfort and falling asleep problems. 

Even with these options I can still have a bad night once in a while due to dreams or eating to late in the evening.

I wish you luck if you are suffering with any sleep challenges. Don’t give up on your search until you find something that works!