sleep apnea

[imgoingtodisney]

DH has the breathing machine which helps tremendously. But what do we do about that kicking? oh my, I need sleep.

 

[glo]

kicking? DH is on the machine and the startle jumps should cease. Talk to the dr.

 

[JasonLyons]

slap him, that might help

 

[Serena]

kick him back? Or make him go to the couch.

 

[Pebblszzz]

When I went in for my sleep study, one of the questions they asked was if I kicked in my sleep. I don't, so I ignored the question. But the fact that it was on the questionnaire tells me it's something that maybe they can fix???

I meant to ask the doc about it, since hubby does it.

As for the apnea, I'm having surgery tomorrow for mine. Once that's fixed, we'll work on hubby's kicking.

Keep us posted, I'm interested in hearing the outcome of this one!

 

[GoofieRuthie]

When I went for my sleep study they had to strap things on my legs. When I asked why, they explained that excessive leg movement is a form of apnea and can cause sleep disturbances. He said that is extreme cases medication may be given. I don't know much more than that though. He should speak to his doctor about this, chances are he may need a cpap machine as well. Good luck. I sympathize with you. My hubby swipes his leg back and forth in his sleep, luckily it isn't that bad though.

 

[GeorgeG]

I have had total success with the CPAP machine. I don't think I ever had a kicking problem, though. Sleep Apnea can be "obstructive," which is where the CPAP or surgery comes into play, or it can be neurological and require medication. I don;t know if it can be both, but you should really chack with the doctor.

 

[DonnaS]

Talk to his sleep specialist. There are medications for that which will help his sleep quality even more.

 

[Deb in IA]

Getting the Jump on Restless Legs Syndrome

By Mike Fillon
WebMD Medical News

May 3, 2000 -- People who have the irresistible urge to move their legs while lying in bed at night, a condition known as restless legs syndrome (RLS), can rest assured that they're suffering from a legitimate malady. That is, when they can get any rest at all.

"Up until 10 to 15 years ago, doctors didn't pay much attention when patients complained about it," George W. Paulson, MD, tells WebMD. "It's one of those things that if the doctor can't actually see it he doesn't take it very seriously. But it's very troublesome for some patients and very, very real."

Many people live with the condition for years, despite their exhaustion, before seeking treatment, Paulson writes in the current edition of Geriatrics. And RLS is sometimes resistant to prolonged treatment. But some sufferers can get some relief through simple lifestyle changes, and medication does the trick for others.

Paulson, the Kurtz Professor of Neurology at Ohio State University Hospitals, says that restless legs syndrome -- incorrectly identified by some as "jumpy legs," -- is a neurological sleep disorder that causes an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, especially when resting. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health describes RLS as a sleep disorder in which a person experiences unpleasant sensations in the legs that may feel like creeping, crawling, tingling, pulling, even pain. These sensations usually are felt in the calf area, but may occur anywhere from the thigh to the ankle of either or both legs, and, in some people, the arms.

Most often, RLS strikes when the person lies down or sits for prolonged periods of time, such as while driving, watching a movie, even sitting at a desk while at work. The symptoms also tend to follow a set daily cycle, with the evening and night hours being more troublesome for sufferers than the morning. People with RLS may find it difficult to fall asleep because of their strong urge to walk or do other activities to relieve the sensations in their legs.

Although researchers don't know what causes it, many believe that deficiencies of iron or other nutrients, or consumption of caffeine or alcohol, may trigger it. It can be hereditary, and symptoms seem to be worsened by chronic conditions such as Parkinson's disease, arthritis, diabetes, or thyroid disease. RLS can also be caused or aggravated by medication.

Although people of any age can have it, it is more common in older people, Paulson says. According to his research, as many as 25% of people 65 and older suffer from RLS. It may also affect 5% to 10% of the entire population.

Researchers from Stanford University and Johns Hopkins University who are working on a study of the syndrome believe the actual percentage may be far greater. In their research, they have found that over 15% of the medical patient population reported symptoms of RLS.

"These results show there is a significant population of people who suffer from restless legs syndrome. We believe effective treatment is available and can significantly improve both their sleep and their quality of life," says Richard Allen, MD. Allen is assistant professor of the department of neurology and co-director in neurology of the Sleep Disorders Center at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.

In addition to avoiding caffeine and alcohol, Paulson says, moving the legs, walking, rubbing or massaging the legs, or doing knee bends can bring relief, at least briefly. He also recommends that patients practice good sleep habits, such as going to bed at the same time each night; getting up at the same time each morning; using the bed only for sleeping and sex; and avoiding naps.

But sometimes medications are needed. The treatments for RLS range from dopamine drugs such as Mirapex to muscle relaxers, pain pills, and antiseizure medications, Paulson says. These medications have varying degrees of success in relieving RLS symptoms. According to Allen, recent studies show that the newer dopamine drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease, such as Mirapex, work best.

Paulson says that more than 75% of people with RLS also have periodic limb movements during sleep --- known as PLMS -- that can cause difficulties with sleep and can disturb bed partners. The Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation describes these movements as jerks that typically occur 20 to 30 seconds apart, on and off throughout the night. Someone with PLMS is usually unaware of the movements or of the partial arousal that disrupts their sleep. Although most people with RLS have periodic limb movements, most people with PLMS (especially the elderly) have no other symptoms of RLS.

Although RLS is usually not dangerous, Paulson says that the sleep difficulties they cause can interfere with sufferers' lives. "This may make the person more tired than normal, affecting their ability to work, socialize, and can cause mood swings."

Paulson tells WebMD about a patient he was asked to visit a few years back at a hospital who hadn't had a good night's sleep in weeks. "She had RLS," says Paulson. "And she was a mess."



Vital Information:

Restless legs syndrome, or RLS, is a neurological sleep disorder that causes an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, especially while resting.
The condition affects 5-10% of the general population and 25% of those over age 65.
Possible treatments for RLS include dietary changes; improved sleep habits; moving or massaging the legs; and medications ranging from dopamine medications such as Mirapex to muscle relaxers, pain pills, and antiseizure medications.


© 2000 WebMD Inc. All rights reserved.

 

[phamton]

I typed a reply and then had my browser freeze and quit. My husband has gone to a sleep disorder clinic and, although he has no apnea, he does have both restless leg syndrome and periodic limb movement. RLS usually makes it hard to fall alseep but PLM occurs during sleep. PLM usually does not effect the person's sleep cycle but does interfere with the sleeping person's partner.

http://www.sleepdisorderchannel.net/rls/
http://www.talkaboutsleep.com/disorders/PLMD/plmd_intro1.htm
http://www.sleepingsolution.com/rls-plmd.htm
http://www.sleepfoundation.org/disorder.html