People with MS experience poorer sleep quality, study finds

People living with multiple sclerosis (MS) may get a similar amount of sleep as those without the condition, but the quality of their sleep is significantly worse, according to a recent analysis of multiple studies.

Researchers in Iran reviewed 13 studies published between 2004 and 2022, examining sleep quality and efficiency in people with MS compared to those without. The analysis included data from 1,481 people with MS and 2,755 healthy individuals.

All the studies used the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), a self-reported questionnaire that assesses sleep patterns and disturbances over a month. The PSQI covers seven key areas, including how long it takes to fall asleep, overall sleep satisfaction, sleep duration, sleep efficiency (the percentage of time spent asleep while in bed), and daytime impact, such as drowsiness and fatigue.

Findings from 10 studies showed that people with MS had significantly worse overall PSQI scores than those without the condition. Among five studies that broke down individual sleep factors, MS participants reported poorer sleep quality, longer time to fall asleep, greater reliance on sleep medication, and more daytime fatigue.

The researchers highlighted that poor sleep can worsen MS symptoms, including fatigue, cognitive issues, and mental health challenges. They urged healthcare professionals to pay closer attention to sleep issues in people with MS.

Among such interventions, the researchers noted, are getting 7-9 hours of sleep each night, maintaining a consistent sleep/wake schedule, incorporating routine exercise into one’s daily schedule, and making use of “a contemplative practice,” such as meditation.