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Updated: May 3, 2026
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Acupoint Application as a Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment for Fatigue Associated with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Published on: September 5, 2025
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Obstructive sleep apnea and fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis
Tiffany J Braley1, Benjamin M Segal2, Ronald D Chervin3
1University of Michigan Department of Neurology and Multiple Sclerosis Center, Ann Arbor, MI ; University of Michigan Department of Neurology and Sleep Disorders Center, Ann Arbor, MI.
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is common in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and significantly contributes to fatigue. Early recognition and treatment of OSA may improve MS symptom management.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients is unknown.
- Little is understood about OSA's contribution to MS-related fatigue amidst other confounders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of diagnosed OSA and OSA risk in MS patients.
- To assess the relationship between fatigue severity, OSA, OSA risk, and sleep quality in MS.
Main Methods:
- 195 MS patients completed questionnaires on sleep, symptoms, and validated scales (e.g., STOP-Bang, Fatigue Severity Scale).
- Medical records were reviewed for clinical characteristics predicting fatigue or OSA risk.
Main Results:
- 21% of MS patients had a diagnosed OSA.
- 56% of all patients and 93% of those with diagnosed OSA had an elevated OSA risk (STOP-Bang score ≥ 3).
- Higher OSA risk, nocturnal symptoms, and disability level predicted increased fatigue severity.
Conclusions:
- Sleep disturbances, particularly OSA, are prevalent and underrecognized contributors to fatigue in MS.
- Addressing OSA may be crucial for managing fatigue in the MS population.
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