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Published on: August 2, 2017
Sleep--wake and body core temperature rhythms in multiple sclerosis with fatigue.
R Vetrugno1, S Stecchi, C Scandellari
1Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Ugo Foscolo 7, 40123 Bologna, Italy. vetrugno@neuro.unibo.it
Summary
This study found normal sleep-wake and body core temperature (BCT) rhythms in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with chronic fatigue. Abnormal sleep or BCT regulation are unlikely causes of fatigue in MS.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
- Chronobiology
Background:
- Chronic fatigue is a common and debilitating symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS).
- The underlying mechanisms of fatigue in MS are not fully understood.
- Circadian rhythm disturbances in sleep-wake cycles and body core temperature (BCT) are potential contributors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sleep-wake and BCT circadian rhythms in patients with MS-associated chronic fatigue.
- To determine if abnormal sleep or BCT regulation contributes to fatigue in MS.
Main Methods:
- Six relapse- and drug-free, relapsing-remitting MS patients with chronic fatigue participated.
- 48-hour polysomnography (PSG) with BCT measurement and Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) were performed.
- Assessments included mood, MRI, spirometry, and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS).
Main Results:
- Patients exhibited normal sleep architecture and BCT 24-hour rhythms.
- Mean sleep efficiency was only slightly reduced; arousal index and MSLT were normal.
- No significant differences in BCT rhythm parameters (Mesor, amplitude, acrophase) were found compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Substantially normal sleep-wake and BCT rhythmicity were observed in MS patients with fatigue.
- Non-restorative sleep and abnormal BCT regulation are unlikely primary mechanisms for chronic fatigue in this MS cohort.
- Subjective fatigue may be independent of objective sleep and BCT abnormalities in MS.
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