Sleep disorders in patients with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Objective: Poor sleep is a frequent symptom in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The objective of the study was to assess the relationship between nocturnal polysomnographic (PSG) fi ndings and quality of sleep, fatigue, and increased daytime sleepiness among patients with MS. Methods: Clinical characteristics were collected. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and International Restless Legs Syndrome Rating Scale were used to assess quality of sleep, fatigue, excessive daytime sleepiness, and the presence of restless legs syndrome (RLS). All patients underwent nocturnal diagnostic PSG examination. Results: F ifty p atients w ith M S w ere e nrolled i nto t he study. Age was the only independent variable signifi cantly determining apnea-hypopnea index and desaturation index (DI) (beta = 0.369, p = 0.010, beta 0.301, p = 0.040). PSQI and ESS score were signifi cantly higher in a population with RLS ( p = 0 .004, p = 0.011). F SS signifi cantly correlated with D I ( r = 0 .400, p = 0 .048). P resence o f R LS w as t he only independent variable signifi cantly determining PSQI and ESS (p = 0.005, p = 0.025). D I and p resence of R LS were independent variables determining FSS (p = 0.015, p = 0.024). Conclusion: Presence of RLS seems to be the main factor determining poor sleep, fatigue, and daytime somnolence. Sleep disordered breathing and its severity infl uences only fatigue in patients with MS.