MSA Trust

Some people with MSA find that their sleeping pattern changes, please see our article on sleep in MSA News (Issue 43 page 4) for suggestions to help get a good night’s sleep.

Partners of some people with MSA may notice changes to the persons sleep – they may have vivid dreams which they act out, or talk or shout in their sleep and the person may well have no recollection of this in the morning. It is important to discuss this with their Specialist.

Some people with MSA experience irregular breathing at night. Missing a breath or not taking deep enough breaths (sleep apnoea) can sometimes happen and may be associated with snoring. If you feel tired and lethargic during the day, it may mean that you have a sleep disorder. It is important to discuss this with your Specialist, who may recommend sleep studies to assess your breathing overnight and suggest ways to manage it.

Some people may also have their sleep disturbed by the need to go to the toilet. Please see our continence and MSA factsheet to find out more on this.