Myasthenia gravis and insomnia: Everyday strategies for better sleep

Last updated Aug. 28, 2025, by Susie Strachan
✅ Fact-checked by Joana Carvalho, PhD

 

Many people with myasthenia gravis (MG) struggle with insomnia or trouble sleeping. You might lie awake for hours, wake up frequently during the night, or experience daytime sleepiness. Over time, poor sleep can affect your mood, energy, and ability to manage MG symptoms.

The good news is that making small changes to your bedroom setup, evening routine, and medication timing may help improve your sleep over time. And if sleep issues persist, your healthcare team may be able to suggest new strategies or MG treatments that work better for you.

How myasthenia gravis affects sleep

MG can interfere with sleep in a variety of ways. Muscle weakness, especially in the chest or throat, may make it harder to breathe or swallow when lying down, leading to poor sleep.

Mental health challenges like anxiety and stress, which can be common in MG, can make it difficult to relax, increasing the risk of insomnia and making it harder to manage. Certain MG medications may also interfere with sleep, particularly if taken late in the day.

Sleep disorders that are common with MG, such as sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome, can reduce your quality of rest even more.

As a result, people living with MG may face a range of sleep disruptions, including:

  • trouble falling asleep, often due to discomfort or anxiety
  • waking frequently during the night to reposition or to manage breathing
  • shortness of breath or chest tightness during sleep
  • feeling unrefreshed in the morning, even after a full night in bed
  • excessive daytime fatigue, which may be driven by poor quality sleep

These sleep problems may come and go or become more noticeable during MG flares.

Practical sleep tips for people with MG

Everyone’s sleep needs are different, but there are some tips for better sleep that may help if nighttime symptoms of MG are making it harder to rest.

Good sleep hygiene for chronic illness includes setting consistent sleep and wake times, building a calming bedtime routine that involves relaxation techniques like deep breathing, and creating a comfortable sleep environment.

Create a sleep-friendly environment

Making your bedroom more supportive and comfortable can help you fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer.

Consider limiting noise and light by using blackout curtains, white noise machines, or earplugs to help reduce disruptions. Adjusting the room temperature to stay cool can also make a difference, as overheating may worsen your MG symptoms.

MG-specific adjustments

Living with MG means you may need to adjust your routine with your symptoms in mind. Some helpful strategies include:

  • asking your doctor about timing your medications so they don’t interfere with sleep
  • avoiding heavy or late meals, especially if you have trouble swallowing or digesting
  • elevating the head of your bed slightly or using supportive pillows to ease breathing

When to talk to your healthcare provider

Sleep issues aren’t just something to endure. They can make your MG symptoms feel worse and interfere with your quality of life.

If you’re regularly struggling to sleep, talk to your MG care team, especially if:

  • you feel short of breath at night
  • your medications seem to be making sleep worse
  • you’re constantly tired despite being in bed all night
  • you snore loudly, gasp in your sleep, or wake up with a dry mouth or headache

Waking with a dry mouth or headache is a possible sign of sleep apnea, as are loud snoring and gasping for air during sleep.

If you’re having these symptoms, your care team may wish to refer you to a sleep specialist or suggest changes to your treatment plan.

Emotional impact of insomnia in MG

Coping with insomnia isn’t easy, especially when you’re also managing an autoimmune disease like MG.

Poor sleep can affect more than your physical health. It may leave you feeling irritable, anxious, or hopeless. Over time, chronic sleep deprivation can increase your risk of depression and make it harder to cope with MG.

You’re not alone in this. Many people with MG have insomnia or disrupted sleep. It can be helpful to connect with others through MG support groups, or talk with a therapist who understands chronic illness.

Managing insomnia and improving your sleep when you have MG may not be easy, but understanding how the condition affects your rest and making practical changes can help you feel more rested, improve your mood, and better manage your symptoms.

Myasthenia Gravis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

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