A multidimensional approach to sleep health in multiple sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Sleep Medicine
• Chronic Illness Management

Background:

• Sleep disturbances are prevalent in people with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS).
• Previous sleep measurement methods in PwMS have limitations.
• A comprehensive seven-domain sleep health framework is emerging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To phenotype sleep patterns in PwMS using a seven-domain framework.
• To assess the feasibility of this framework in PwMS.
• To explore associations between sleep domains and MS symptom severity.

Main Methods:

• Sleep domains assessed via accelerometry and questionnaires (Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index).
• Extreme sleep values identified using established guidelines.
• Composite sleep health score calculated.
• Correlations between sleep domains and MS symptoms (pain, fatigue, depression, cognitive dysfunction) analyzed.

Main Results:

• 76% of PwMS had ≥2 sleep domains in extreme ranges.
• Sleepiness, abnormal timing, and poor quality affected 33%, 35%, and 45% respectively.
• PwMS showed longer sleep duration and poorer regularity than a control group.
• Daytime sleepiness, poor sleep quality, and higher composite scores linked to depressive symptoms.
• Lower sleep rhythmicity associated with higher fatigue.
• Cognitive function correlated with sleep fragmentation, duration, quality, rhythmicity, and composite score.

Conclusions:

• A seven-domain sleep health framework is applicable to PwMS.
• This framework captures multifaceted sleep aspects.
• It offers improved understanding of sleep disturbances in PwMS and their impact.