Sleep Abnormalities in Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Purpose of review: This review summarizes the most well documented sleep disorders seen in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), with a special focus on the impact on quality of life. Recent findings: Sleep abnormalities in patients with MS are a multifactorial and relatively complex issue affecting approximately 60% of the patients while the pathophysiology of these symptoms is not fully understood. Circadian rhythm disorders and increased levels of Pro-inflammatory Cytokines have been recognized as potential players in affecting sleep homeostasis in MS patients. Medication related side effects such as in immunotherapy and other factors such as lesion load can contribute to the disruption of normal sleep patterns. Summary: Most frequently encountered sleep disorders are insomnia, sleep-related movement disorders, sleeprelated breathing disorders and circadian rhythm disorders affecting both adults and paediatric MS populations. Aetiology still remains unknown with treatment options focusing on behavioural cognitive therapy, life style modification including improvement in sleep hygiene as well as melatonin supplementation. Given MS prevalence is still rising affecting millions of people, more personalized medicine applications should possibly form the key approach for improving patients' quality of life and quality years.

The role of sleep and wakefulness in myelin plasticity

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<p>The Effectiveness of Occupational Therapy-Based Sleep Interventions on Quality of Life and Fatigue in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial Study</p>

“…Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune, inflammatory, and neurodegenerative disease characterized by axon demyelination in different parts of the brain and/or spinal cord which may cause physical and cognitive symptoms, sensory impairments, and depressed mood. 1 Sleep disorders of multifactorial nature and unknown pathophysiology affect approximately 60% of patients with MS. 2 Several types of sleep disorders are prominent in patients diagnosed with MS such as insomnia, restless leg syndrome (RLS), periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD), obstructive sleep apnea due to respiratory problems, and daily excessive sleeping or narcolepsy. 3 Sleep disturbance in MS, specifically insomnia, causes excessive limitations in patients' physical and cognitive skills and contributes to increased feelings of fatigue.…”

Associations between sleep quality, severity of dissociation, pathological worry, and functional impairment in multiple sclerosis: a case-control study

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