CP and sleep — Scope | Disability forum
Please read our updated community house rules and community guidelines.

CP and sleep

Options
han156
han156 Community member Posts: 9 Connected
in Cerebral palsy
I have mild CP and have had real trouble sleeping since childhood. I'm wondering if the two are connected? Any thoughts?
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Richard_Scope
    Richard_Scope Posts: 3,648 Scope online community team
    Options
    Hi @han156
    It has been suggested that there is a link between CP and sleep trouble. It is thought that 23% to 46% (depending on which study) of children with CP have difficulties sleeping or remaining asleep. These figures could also be similar for the adult population with CP.

    Have you spoken to your GP about the issues you are having with sleep? 
    Scope
    Specialist Information Officer and Cerebral Palsy Programme Lead

    'Concerned about another member's safety or wellbeing? Flag your concerns with us.' 

    Want to tell us about your experience in the community? Talk to our chatbot and let us know. 
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • han156
    han156 Community member Posts: 9 Connected
    Options

     Hi Richard

    Thanks for your reply :) I haven't ever spoken to my GP, I've always just plodded on, but I'm finding that the older I get (I'm 29) the harder I'm finding it to function following particularly difficult nights. I've never considered the possibility that my CP could be the cause, and I'm wondering if there are ways to manage it if that is the case

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Richard_Scope
    Richard_Scope Posts: 3,648 Scope online community team
    Options
    Your first port of call should be to talk to your GP about the difficulties you are experiencing with your sleep. This should help to rule out and other potential causes.
    Do you have a routine around bedtime? Sleep experts recommend staring a routine before bed. Things like avoiding caffeinated drinks after 7 pm, avoiding the use of screens in the bedroom or at least an hour before you go to bed.
    Do you struggle to get to sleep or stay asleep?
    Scope
    Specialist Information Officer and Cerebral Palsy Programme Lead

    'Concerned about another member's safety or wellbeing? Flag your concerns with us.' 

    Want to tell us about your experience in the community? Talk to our chatbot and let us know. 
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • April2018mom
    April2018mom Posts: 2,882 Disability Gamechanger
    Options
    Hello @han156.
    Ask your GP to refer you to a sleep medicine doctor for more tests. They can do tests that will provide you with much more information. How much exercise are you doing? That can help bring on sleep too. 
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Brightness

Categories