Effect of CPAP on Symptoms of Patients With Fibromyalgia and Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain disorder associated with a wide spectrum of sleep disorders. In fact, insomnia and waking unrefreshed are currently considered part of the criteria for diagnosis. Recent studies show that sleep quality and symptoms of FM are inversely correlated. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated episodes of complete or partial blockage of the upper airway. Nonrestorative sleep and fatigue are common symptoms of FM and OSA and may suggest related pathophysiology or co-morbidity that is yet to be diagnosed. This prospective randomized controlled clinical trial will enroll adult FM patients who screen positive for OSA by the STOP-Bang questionnaire. OSA will be confirmed by a laboratory polysomnography (PSG) study. After undergoing further baseline questionnaires and investigations, patients confirmed to have FM with moderate to severe OSA will be randomized to one of two different treatments: 1) Treatment for FM at the Chronic Pain Clinic together with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices for their OSA OR 2) Control group receiving treatment for FM at the Chronic Pain Clinic only.