Sleep Disorders and Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis
Summary
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is frequently accompanied by a spectrum of sleep disturbances that profoundly affect daily functioning and overall well-being. Insomnia, restless legs syndrome, periodic limb movements and sleep-disordered breathing each appear at elevated rates compared to the general population. These nocturnal disruptions often lead to daytime fatigue, impaired cognition and mood disturbance, creating a self-perpetuating cycle that diminishes health-related quality of life. Underlying mechanisms include demyelinating lesions that alter neural control of respiration and locomotor circuits, immunotherapy side effects, pain and depression. Objective assessments often reveal altered sleep architecture with reduced slow-wave and rapid-eye-movement sleep, while subjective measures highlight poor sleep quality and excessive daytime somnolence. Interventions ranging from targeted pharmacotherapy and cognitive behavioural therapy to exercise programmes and continuous positive airway pressure have shown promise in restoring sleep continuity and alleviating secondary fatigue. Early identification and tailored management of sleep disorders are essential to improve functional outcomes and life satisfaction in people living with MS.
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Sleep Disorders and Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis publication trend
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Technical terms
Polysomnography (PSG): A comprehensive overnight recording of physiological parameters used to assess sleep architecture and disturbances.
Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD): Repetitive, involuntary limb movements during sleep that cause arousal and fragmented rest.
Sleep efficiency: The ratio of total sleep time to time spent in bed, expressed as a percentage.
Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI): A self-report questionnaire measuring subjective sleep quality and disturbances over a one-month interval.
Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS): A psychometric tool evaluating the impact of fatigue on daily activities and lifestyle.
References
- A Comparative Study of Polysomnography‐Derived Sleep Disturbance in People Living With Multiple Sclerosis Compared to Matched Controls From the General Population. Journal of Sleep Research (2025).
- Sleep and cognitive outcomes in multiple sclerosis; a systematic review. BMC Psychiatry (2024).
- Sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis treated with interferon beta-1b: results from a prospective observational cohort study. BMC Neurology (2018).
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