Sleep Disturbance

The most common sleep disorders experienced by people with Machado-Joseph Disease (MJD) are rapid eye movement disorder (REM) restless legs syndrome (RLS), periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMS), REM sleep behaviour disorder (RBD), excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and insomnia. (D’Abreau et al 2008). Nocturnal awakenings and nightmares have also been reported (Fututake et al, 2002). Excessive Fragmentary Myoclonus (EFM) is also known to be highly prevalent in people with MJD and impacts on sleep quality (Fernandes dos Santos, 2014). This medical protocol outlines these symptoms and their prevalence, assessment and treatment.