There are several links betweenamyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS) and sleep disturbances.
This article discusses the connections between ALS and sleep and treatment options.
It can become a cycle of sleep problems aggravating ALS symptoms, leading to more sleep problems.
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Does ALS Affect Your Sleep?
ALS is an irreversible neurodegenerative condition.
It affects the brain and spinal cord and causes progressive muscle atrophy.
Does Sleep Have Any Effect on ALS?
Good sleep is crucial to overall health.
Sleep helps repair the nervous system and promote nerve regeneration.
Lack of quality sleep can exacerbate symptoms and the progression of ALS.
Not getting enoughsleepcan even shorten the median survival time of people with ALS.
Types of Sleep Issues Likely resulting from ALS
All motor symptoms of ALS can affect sleep quality.
Other things, such asdepression, fear, and grief, can also contribute to insomnia.
Home Remedies
check that you create the most comfortablesleep environmentpossible, starting with your bed.
Consider getting a hospital bed or one made for people with mobility problems.
Your health insurance may cover some of these items, so it’s worth checking in advance.
Some of these are:
Other medicines may include pain relievers, antidepressants, andsleep aids.
You’ll want to work closely with your healthcare team to prevent drug interactions and serious side effects.
This involves wearing a mask over your nose and mouth while you sleep.
It may also improve quality of life and prolong survival.
When breathing becomes more difficult, you may need a respirator (mechanical ventilation).
The breathing tube can be inserted through the mouth or the windpipe (tracheostomy).
Dehydration and low levels of electrolytes can cause muscle cramps.
Basicsleep hygienecan help with sleep problems.
The sooner you identify the cause, the sooner you’re able to start treatment.
The connection between ALS and sleep goes both ways.
Lack of sleep can aggravate symptoms of ALS.
It can also affect disease progression and survival time.
However, your healthcare provider may be able to treat specific sleep disorder symptoms.
But it significantly impacts how you feel during the day and can worsen ALS symptoms.
You don’t have to ride it out alone.
If you have ALS-related insomnia, let your healthcare provider know that sleep is a problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Be sure to let your neurologist know about changes to your breathing.
A breathing test can help assess the severity of your symptoms.
ALS causes progressive muscle weakness and affects many parts of the body.
Caring for someone with ALS can be physically and emotionally challenging.
But your loved one’s healthcare team can connect you with helpful resources in your area.
you could also contact theALS Associationfor educational information and to find your local chapter.
Murala S, Katyal N, Narula N, et al.Sleep disorders in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.RRNMF Neuromuscular Journal.
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IntechOpen; 2021. doi:10.5772/intechopen.98934
Boentert M.Sleep disturbances in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: current perspectives.NSS.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Treatment for restless legs syndrome (RLS).
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) fact sheet.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Tips for better sleep.
Massachusetts General Hospital.Symptom management for ALS.
Muscular Dystrophy Association.One good turn.
National Institutes of Health.Good sleep for good health.
