Symptom 5: Sleep Disorders
Sleep disorders in MSA are prevalent but often overlooked. These may range from sleep apnea, a condition characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep, to REM sleep behavior disorder, where individuals physically act out their dreams.
Sleep apnea in MSA patients often results from a loss of muscle control in the throat, leading to repeated episodes of partial or complete airway obstruction during sleep. This can cause snoring, gasping for breath, and frequent awakenings, leading to poor sleep quality.
REM sleep behavior disorder, on the other hand, is characterized by vivid, often violent dreams that the individual physically acts out. This could lead to self-injury or injury to a bed partner. It’s worth noting that this disorder may present years before any other MSA symptoms appear, offering a potential early warning sign of the disease.(5)
