Sleep Disorders and Optic Neuritis Risk in Multiple Sclerosis: A Retrospective Cohort Study

This retrospective cohort study investigates the relationship between sleep disorders and the risk of developing optic neuritis in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Utilizing data from the TriNetX Global Collaborative Network, we analyzed two matched cohorts as follows: MS patients with documented sleep disorders (n = 48,995) and those without (n = 48,995). Propensity score matching ensured balance in baseline characteristics, minimizing confounding factors. Our findings revealed a significantly increased incidence of optic neuritis among MS patients with sleep disorders, with a 3.0% absolute risk increase compared to the control cohort. This association corresponded to an odds ratio of 1.532, indicating a substantial elevation in risk. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis further supported this link, demonstrating a 31.5% higher hazard of developing optic neuritis over time in patients with sleep disorders. These results emphasize the importance of integrating sleep health evaluations into MS management protocols. Proactively addressing sleep disorders may reduce the occurrence of optic neuritis, potentially improving the quality of life and long-term outcomes for MS patients. Future studies should explore the impact of specific sleep disorder subtypes and investigate the underlying biological mechanisms to better understand and mitigate this risk. This work underscores the broader implications of sleep health in chronic disease management and the potential for targeted interventions to alleviate disease burden.