Daytime sleepiness and sleep quality in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Sleep Medicine
• Genetics

Background:

• Sleep abnormalities are noted in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), but comprehensive data are limited.
• This study investigates the prevalence and correlations of sleep disturbances in a large cohort of CMT patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the frequency of poor sleep quality and daytime sleepiness in CMT patients.
• To explore the relationship between sleep disturbances and disease severity, psychological factors, and fatigue in CMT.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) for 257 CMT patients and 58 controls.
• Correlated sleep scores with disease severity (CMT Examination Score), anxiety/depression (HADS), fatigue (MFIS), and medication use.

Main Results:

• 56% of CMT patients reported poor sleep quality (PSQI > 5), and 23% experienced abnormal daytime sleepiness (ESS > 10).
• Poor sleep quality was associated with higher disease severity, increased anxiety/depression, and greater fatigue.
• Patients with poor sleep quality more frequently used anxiolytic/antidepressant medications.

Conclusions:

• Poor sleep quality and daytime sleepiness are prevalent in CMT and significantly correlate with anxiety, depression, and fatigue.
• These findings underscore the multifactorial nature of sleep disturbances in CMT.
• Clinical management of CMT should incorporate assessment of sleep behavior and associated factors like distress and fatigue.