Parasomnias Linked to Obstructive Sleep Apnea



Last edited by Vicki on Fri Aug 14, 2009 1:06 pm; edited 1 time in total
_________________
Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent.
Marilyn Vos Savant

That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

Vicki,

Fixy linky!

Its an interesting one for sure.  I have been diagnosed as suffering from OSA (AHI ~42), but I was not in hospital for investigation of OSA but more Slow Wave Sleep Parasomnia.  I have a rather unfortunate problem in that I'm being rather abusive towards my spouse.  During the night I'm not only swearing at her and being insulting, but I'm also striking her with deliberation (not just random arm/leg/knee/elbow/teeth/fingernail waving).  We're currently sleeping apart on most nights, living in hope that the recent diagnosis of severe OSA will lead to treatment and a reduction/elimination of these parasomnias.

I have no recollection of them ever occuring, I harbour not ill-feeling toward my wife, and I'm generally a placid person.  I have woken on the odd occasion post-event only to find my wife avoiding me/cold shoudlering me (understandable!) and it's pretty depressing.  I've even had the misfortune to awaken once as my fist has made contact and that's not a pleasant feeling :(

The sleep specialist I've recently seen (Dr J Bird @ The Burden Neurological, UK) believes that the micro-awakenings as a result of OSA are at the root of these.  I also move around a lot during what little REM sleep I have.  Coupled with moderate depression, it all makes for a very unpleasant relationship between Sleep and myself.

I wish OSA / Parasomnias on no living thing, but I sure wish the non-sufferers could really understand how hard it can make living.

I'm stuck in limbo at the moment, somewhere between diagnosis and treatment ... so damn frustrating!

Link is fixed, but you have to register at MedScape (it is free) to see it.  Let me know if you can't find it.

Vicki


_________________
Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent.
Marilyn Vos Savant

That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.