Nabiximols improves sleep architecture in multiple sclerosis: A prospective polysomnographic study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Sleep Medicine
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Sleep disruption is a common and debilitating symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Objective and subjective sleep measures are often impaired in individuals with MS.
• The therapeutic potential of Nabiximols for MS-related sleep disturbances is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare sleep disruption in people with MS against a healthy control group using patient-reported outcomes and polysomnography (PSG).
• To evaluate the efficacy of a 6-week Nabiximols treatment on sleep parameters in individuals with MS.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 19 individuals with MS and 24 healthy controls underwent two full-night PSG recordings (baseline and post-treatment).
• Patient-reported outcomes, including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), were collected.
• Linear mixed-effects models (LMMs) were used to analyze clinical and PSG data.

Main Results:

• Individuals with MS showed significantly reduced sleep efficiency (SE), total sleep time (TST), and REM sleep, alongside increased awakenings, arousal index (AI), and periodic limb movement index (PLMI) compared to controls.
• Following a 6-week Nabiximols trial, significant improvements were observed in PSQI scores, SE, TST, AI, PLMI, and REM sleep.

Conclusions:

• This study confirms significant sleep disruption in people with MS.
• Nabiximols demonstrated a notable positive effect on both subjective and objective sleep parameters in MS patients.
• The findings suggest Nabiximols could be a potential therapeutic option for managing sleep disturbances in individuals with MS.