Answer Summary

Members shared their experiences with sleep apnea alongside fibromyalgia, with many describing alarmingly high numbers of breathing... Read more

Members shared their experiences with sleep apnea alongside fibromyalgia, with many describing alarmingly high numbers of breathing interruptions per hour (ranging from 62 to 87 times) before being diagnosed through sleep studies and starting CPAP treatment. Several members reported waking refreshed after using their CPAP machines, though some struggled initially with mask adjustments, and many emphasized the critical connection between fibromyalgia and lack of REM sleep, which doctors identified as a common pattern in fibro patients. A recurring theme was the life-changing relief of finally getting diagnosed and treated, with spouses often being the first to notice the dangerous breathing pauses and members encouraging each other to pursue testing even when skeptical about its necessity.