Skip to main content
Top
Published in: Current Treatment Options in Neurology 1/2019

01-01-2019 | Insomnia | Sleep Disorders (A Iranzo, Section Editor)

Sleep Abnormalities in Multiple Sclerosis

Authors: Giorgos K. Sakkas, PhD, Christoforos D. Giannaki, PhD, Christina Karatzaferi, PhD, Mauro Manconi, MD, PhD

Published in: Current Treatment Options in Neurology | Issue 1/2019

Login to get access

Abstract

Purpose of review

This review summarizes the most well-documented sleep disorders seen in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), with a special focus on the impact on quality of life.

Recent findings

Sleep abnormalities in patients with MS are a multifactorial and relatively complex issue affecting approximately 60% of the patients while the pathophysiology of these symptoms is not fully understood. Circadian rhythm disorders and increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines have been recognized as potential players in affecting sleep homeostasis in MS patients. Medication-related side effects such as in immunotherapy and other factors such as lesion load can contribute to the disruption of normal sleep patterns.

Summary

Most frequently encountered sleep disorders are insomnia, sleep-related movement disorders, sleep-related breathing disorders, and circadian rhythm disorders affecting both adults and paediatric MS populations. Aetiology still remains unknown with treatment options focusing on behavioural cognitive therapy and lifestyle modification including improvement in sleep hygiene as well as melatonin supplementation. Given MS prevalence is still rising affecting millions of people, more personalized medicine applications should possibly form the key approach for improving patients’ quality of life and quality years.
Literature
8.
go back to reference Gilmour H, Ramage-Morin PL, Wong SL. Multiple sclerosis: prevalence and impact. Health Rep. 2018;29(1):3–8.PubMed Gilmour H, Ramage-Morin PL, Wong SL. Multiple sclerosis: prevalence and impact. Health Rep. 2018;29(1):3–8.PubMed
14.
go back to reference • Amtmann D, Bamer AM, Kim J, Chung H, Salem R. People with multiple sclerosis report significantly worse symptoms and health related quality of life than the US general population as measured by PROMIS and NeuroQoL outcome measures. Disabil Health J. 2018;11(1):99–107. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dhjo.2017.04.008 Individuals with MS report clinically meaningful worse health compared to the general population across multiple health related domains. Symptom profiles utilizing PROMIS or NeuroQoL measures can be used to quickly assess symptom levels in an individual or group.PubMedCrossRef • Amtmann D, Bamer AM, Kim J, Chung H, Salem R. People with multiple sclerosis report significantly worse symptoms and health related quality of life than the US general population as measured by PROMIS and NeuroQoL outcome measures. Disabil Health J. 2018;11(1):99–107. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1016/​j.​dhjo.​2017.​04.​008 Individuals with MS report clinically meaningful worse health compared to the general population across multiple health related domains. Symptom profiles utilizing PROMIS or NeuroQoL measures can be used to quickly assess symptom levels in an individual or group.PubMedCrossRef
17.
go back to reference • Garland SN, Scurrey SRM, Ploughman M, Health L, Aging with MSCC. Factors associated with poor sleep in older adults with multiple sclerosis. Int J Behav Med. 2017;24(6):937–45. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12529-017-9653-4 Individuals with MS who had clinically significant levels of anxiety were two times more likely to have trouble sleeping when compared to individuals without anxiety. Efforts should focus on early identification and effective interventions for poor sleep in individuals living with MS.PubMedCrossRef • Garland SN, Scurrey SRM, Ploughman M, Health L, Aging with MSCC. Factors associated with poor sleep in older adults with multiple sclerosis. Int J Behav Med. 2017;24(6):937–45. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1007/​s12529-017-9653-4 Individuals with MS who had clinically significant levels of anxiety were two times more likely to have trouble sleeping when compared to individuals without anxiety. Efforts should focus on early identification and effective interventions for poor sleep in individuals living with MS.PubMedCrossRef
19.
go back to reference •• Morris G, Stubbs B, Kohler CA, Walder K, Slyepchenko A, Berk M, et al. The putative role of oxidative stress and inflammation in the pathophysiology of sleep dysfunction across neuropsychiatric disorders: Focus on chronic fatigue syndrome, bipolar disorder and multiple sclerosis. Sleep Med Rev. 2018. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2018.03.007 This review focus on chronic fatigue syndrome, bipolar disorder, and multiple sclerosis as exemplars of neuro-immune disorders. They concluded that novel therapeutic targets exploring immune and oxidative & nitrosative pathways (p.e. melatonin and molecular hydrogen) hold promise in alleviating sleep and circadian dysfunction in these disorders.PubMedCrossRef •• Morris G, Stubbs B, Kohler CA, Walder K, Slyepchenko A, Berk M, et al. The putative role of oxidative stress and inflammation in the pathophysiology of sleep dysfunction across neuropsychiatric disorders: Focus on chronic fatigue syndrome, bipolar disorder and multiple sclerosis. Sleep Med Rev. 2018. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1016/​j.​smrv.​2018.​03.​007 This review focus on chronic fatigue syndrome, bipolar disorder, and multiple sclerosis as exemplars of neuro-immune disorders. They concluded that novel therapeutic targets exploring immune and oxidative & nitrosative pathways (p.e. melatonin and molecular hydrogen) hold promise in alleviating sleep and circadian dysfunction in these disorders.PubMedCrossRef
20.
go back to reference Schutte-Rodin S, Broch L, Buysse D, Dorsey C, Sateia M. Clinical guideline for the evaluation and management of chronic insomnia in adults. J Clin Sleep Med. 2008;4(5):487–504.PubMedPubMedCentral Schutte-Rodin S, Broch L, Buysse D, Dorsey C, Sateia M. Clinical guideline for the evaluation and management of chronic insomnia in adults. J Clin Sleep Med. 2008;4(5):487–504.PubMedPubMedCentral
26.
go back to reference •• Group GBDNDC. Global, regional, and national burden of neurological disorders during 1990–2015: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2015. Lancet Neurol. 2017;16(11):877–97. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1474-4422(17)30299-5 This systematic analysis assess the global burden of neurological disorders. They concluded that the number has increased substantially over the past 25 years because of expanding population numbers and ageing, despite substantial decreases in mortality rates from stroke and communicable neurological disorders. The number of patients who will need care by clinicians with expertise in neurological conditions will continue to grow in coming decades. Policy makers and health-care providers should be aware of these trends to provide adequate services. CrossRef •• Group GBDNDC. Global, regional, and national burden of neurological disorders during 1990–2015: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2015. Lancet Neurol. 2017;16(11):877–97. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1016/​S1474-4422(17)30299-5 This systematic analysis assess the global burden of neurological disorders. They concluded that the number has increased substantially over the past 25 years because of expanding population numbers and ageing, despite substantial decreases in mortality rates from stroke and communicable neurological disorders. The number of patients who will need care by clinicians with expertise in neurological conditions will continue to grow in coming decades. Policy makers and health-care providers should be aware of these trends to provide adequate services. CrossRef
32.
go back to reference Manconi M, Fabbrini M, Bonanni E, Filippi M, Rocca M, Murri L, et al. High prevalence of restless legs syndrome in multiple sclerosis. Eur J Neurol. 2007;14(5):534–9.PubMedCrossRef Manconi M, Fabbrini M, Bonanni E, Filippi M, Rocca M, Murri L, et al. High prevalence of restless legs syndrome in multiple sclerosis. Eur J Neurol. 2007;14(5):534–9.PubMedCrossRef
33.
go back to reference Manconi M, Ferini-Strambi L, Filippi M, Bonanni E, Iudice A, Murri L, et al. Multicenter case-control study on restless legs syndrome in multiple sclerosis: the REMS study. Sleep. 2008;31(7):944–52.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef Manconi M, Ferini-Strambi L, Filippi M, Bonanni E, Iudice A, Murri L, et al. Multicenter case-control study on restless legs syndrome in multiple sclerosis: the REMS study. Sleep. 2008;31(7):944–52.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef
36.
go back to reference •• Braley TJ, Chervin RD. A practical approach to the diagnosis and management of sleep disorders in patients with multiple sclerosis. Ther Adv Neurol Disord. 2015;8(6):294–310. https://doi.org/10.1177/1756285615605698 This is a very important review. It summarizes the most common sleep disorders experienced by persons with MS, and offers a practical approach to diagnosis and management of these conditions.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef •• Braley TJ, Chervin RD. A practical approach to the diagnosis and management of sleep disorders in patients with multiple sclerosis. Ther Adv Neurol Disord. 2015;8(6):294–310. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1177/​1756285615605698​ This is a very important review. It summarizes the most common sleep disorders experienced by persons with MS, and offers a practical approach to diagnosis and management of these conditions.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef
37.
go back to reference •• Veauthier C, Paul F. Sleep disorders in multiple sclerosis and their relationship to fatigue. Sleep Med. 2014;15(1):5–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2013.08.791 This review assess the impact of sleep disorders in relation to fatigue in patients with MS. The authors suggest that an effective treatment of sleep disorders can lead to an improvement of MS-related fatigue and they propose that in all MS studies, researchers should investigate sleep and considere it as a relevant confounder.PubMedCrossRef •• Veauthier C, Paul F. Sleep disorders in multiple sclerosis and their relationship to fatigue. Sleep Med. 2014;15(1):5–14. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1016/​j.​sleep.​2013.​08.​791 This review assess the impact of sleep disorders in relation to fatigue in patients with MS. The authors suggest that an effective treatment of sleep disorders can lead to an improvement of MS-related fatigue and they propose that in all MS studies, researchers should investigate sleep and considere it as a relevant confounder.PubMedCrossRef
39.
go back to reference • Alhazzani AA, Alshahrani A, Alqahtani M, Alamri R, Alqahtani R, Alqahtani M, et al. Insomnia among non-depressed multiple sclerosis patients: a cross-sectional study. Egypt J Neurol Psychiatr Neurosurg. 2018;54(1):17. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41983-018-0016-0 The study was conducted to assess insomnia among non-depressed MS patients in Saudi Arabia. Prevalence of insomnia among non-depressed MS patients is low while it is associated with educational and use of antidepressants.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef • Alhazzani AA, Alshahrani A, Alqahtani M, Alamri R, Alqahtani R, Alqahtani M, et al. Insomnia among non-depressed multiple sclerosis patients: a cross-sectional study. Egypt J Neurol Psychiatr Neurosurg. 2018;54(1):17. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1186/​s41983-018-0016-0 The study was conducted to assess insomnia among non-depressed MS patients in Saudi Arabia. Prevalence of insomnia among non-depressed MS patients is low while it is associated with educational and use of antidepressants.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef
41.
go back to reference •• Morin CM, Beaulieu-Bonneau S, Belanger L, Ivers H, Sanchez Ortuno M, Vallieres A, et al. Cognitive-behavior therapy singly and combined with medication for persistent insomnia: Impact on psychological and daytime functioning. Behav Res Ther. 2016;87:109–16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2016.09.002 The study evaluated the impact of cognitive-behavior therapy alone and combined with medication, on various indices of daytime and psychological functioning. Following acute treatment, significant improvements of fatigue, quality of life (mental component), anxiety, and depression were obtained in the CBT alone condition but not in the combined CBT plus medication condition. Following extended treatment, further improvements were noted for the subgroup receiving extended CBT relative to that with no additional treatment, and for the subgroup receiving CBT and intermittent medication relative to that with CBT but no medication.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef •• Morin CM, Beaulieu-Bonneau S, Belanger L, Ivers H, Sanchez Ortuno M, Vallieres A, et al. Cognitive-behavior therapy singly and combined with medication for persistent insomnia: Impact on psychological and daytime functioning. Behav Res Ther. 2016;87:109–16. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1016/​j.​brat.​2016.​09.​002 The study evaluated the impact of cognitive-behavior therapy alone and combined with medication, on various indices of daytime and psychological functioning. Following acute treatment, significant improvements of fatigue, quality of life (mental component), anxiety, and depression were obtained in the CBT alone condition but not in the combined CBT plus medication condition. Following extended treatment, further improvements were noted for the subgroup receiving extended CBT relative to that with no additional treatment, and for the subgroup receiving CBT and intermittent medication relative to that with CBT but no medication.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef
42.
go back to reference • Sanchez-Barcelo EJ, Rueda N, Mediavilla MD, Martinez-Cue C, Reiter RJ. Clinical Uses of Melatonin in Neurological Diseases and Mental and Behavioural Disorders. Curr Med Chem. 2017;24(35):3851–78. https://doi.org/10.2174/0929867324666170718105557 In this review article, the administration of melatonin to humans for various therapeutic purposes in the field of neuropathology was assessed. The authors concluded that melatonin has the potential to become a strong player in the improvement of sleep in patients with neurological disorders, however clinical trials with strong methodologies and appropriate doses of melatonin are necessary to further support the usefulness of melatonin.PubMedCrossRef • Sanchez-Barcelo EJ, Rueda N, Mediavilla MD, Martinez-Cue C, Reiter RJ. Clinical Uses of Melatonin in Neurological Diseases and Mental and Behavioural Disorders. Curr Med Chem. 2017;24(35):3851–78. https://​doi.​org/​10.​2174/​0929867324666170​718105557 In this review article, the administration of melatonin to humans for various therapeutic purposes in the field of neuropathology was assessed. The authors concluded that melatonin has the potential to become a strong player in the improvement of sleep in patients with neurological disorders, however clinical trials with strong methodologies and appropriate doses of melatonin are necessary to further support the usefulness of melatonin.PubMedCrossRef
44.
45.
go back to reference Hardy De Buisseret FX, Mairesse O, Newell J, Verbanck P, Neu D. While isolated periodic limb movement disorder significantly impacts sleep depth and efficiency, co-morbid restless leg syndrome mainly exacerbates perceived sleep quality. Eur Neurol. 2017;77(5–6):272–80. https://doi.org/10.1159/000471920.PubMedCrossRef Hardy De Buisseret FX, Mairesse O, Newell J, Verbanck P, Neu D. While isolated periodic limb movement disorder significantly impacts sleep depth and efficiency, co-morbid restless leg syndrome mainly exacerbates perceived sleep quality. Eur Neurol. 2017;77(5–6):272–80. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1159/​000471920.PubMedCrossRef
48.
go back to reference Manconi M, Ferri R, Feroah TR, Zucconi M, Ferini-Strambi L. Defining the boundaries of the response of sleep leg movements to a single dose of dopamine agonist. Sleep. 2008;31(9):1229–37.PubMedPubMedCentral Manconi M, Ferri R, Feroah TR, Zucconi M, Ferini-Strambi L. Defining the boundaries of the response of sleep leg movements to a single dose of dopamine agonist. Sleep. 2008;31(9):1229–37.PubMedPubMedCentral
51.
go back to reference •• Giannaki CD, Aristotelous P, Stefanakis M, Hadjigeorgiou GM, Manconi M, Leonidou E, et al. Restless legs syndrome in Multiple Sclerosis patients: a contributing factor for fatigue, impaired functional capacity, and diminished health-related quality of life. Neurol Res. 2018;40(7):586–92. https://doi.org/10.1080/01616412.2018.1454719 The study was assessing whether RLS could affect the functional capacity and various contributing parameters related to quality of life and fatigue in MS patients. The aurthors concluded that RLS seems to contribute even further to impairments on sleep, fatigue, functional capacity, and therefore HRQoL levels in relapsing-remitting MS patients.PubMedCrossRef •• Giannaki CD, Aristotelous P, Stefanakis M, Hadjigeorgiou GM, Manconi M, Leonidou E, et al. Restless legs syndrome in Multiple Sclerosis patients: a contributing factor for fatigue, impaired functional capacity, and diminished health-related quality of life. Neurol Res. 2018;40(7):586–92. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1080/​01616412.​2018.​1454719 The study was assessing whether RLS could affect the functional capacity and various contributing parameters related to quality of life and fatigue in MS patients. The aurthors concluded that RLS seems to contribute even further to impairments on sleep, fatigue, functional capacity, and therefore HRQoL levels in relapsing-remitting MS patients.PubMedCrossRef
52.
go back to reference •• Kotterba S, Neusser T, Norenberg C, Bussfeld P, Glaser T, Dorner M, et al. Sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis treated with interferon beta-1b: results from a prospective observational cohort study. BMC Neurol. 2018;18(1):123. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-018-1113-5 This observational cohort study was aiming to investigate the relationship between sleep quality, fatigue, quality of life, and comorbidities in patients with MS. The authors confirm the high prevalence of poor sleep quality among patients with MS and its persistent correlation with fatigue and reduced quality of life over time. They highlight the importance of interventions to improve sleep quality.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef •• Kotterba S, Neusser T, Norenberg C, Bussfeld P, Glaser T, Dorner M, et al. Sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis treated with interferon beta-1b: results from a prospective observational cohort study. BMC Neurol. 2018;18(1):123. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1186/​s12883-018-1113-5 This observational cohort study was aiming to investigate the relationship between sleep quality, fatigue, quality of life, and comorbidities in patients with MS. The authors confirm the high prevalence of poor sleep quality among patients with MS and its persistent correlation with fatigue and reduced quality of life over time. They highlight the importance of interventions to improve sleep quality.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef
53.
go back to reference Aurora RN, Kristo DA, Bista SR, Rowley JA, Zak RS, Casey KR, et al. The treatment of restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder in adults--an update for 2012: practice parameters with an evidence-based systematic review and meta-analyses: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine Clinical Practice Guideline. Sleep. 2012;35(8):1039–62. https://doi.org/10.5665/sleep.1988.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef Aurora RN, Kristo DA, Bista SR, Rowley JA, Zak RS, Casey KR, et al. The treatment of restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder in adults--an update for 2012: practice parameters with an evidence-based systematic review and meta-analyses: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine Clinical Practice Guideline. Sleep. 2012;35(8):1039–62. https://​doi.​org/​10.​5665/​sleep.​1988.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef
54.
go back to reference •• Hensen HA, Krishnan AV, Eckert DJ. Sleep-Disordered Breathing in People with Multiple Sclerosis: Prevalence, Pathophysiological Mechanisms, and Disease Consequences. Front Neurol. 2017;8:740. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2017.00740 This review was aiming to shed light in the pathophysiological mechanisms that contribute to sleep disordered breathing in people with MS or whether MS contributes to SDB disease progression. The authors concluded that recent evidence indicate that treatment of SDB in people with MS with conventional first-line therapy, continuous positive airway pressure therapy, can reduce fatigue and cognitive impairment. PubMedCrossRef •• Hensen HA, Krishnan AV, Eckert DJ. Sleep-Disordered Breathing in People with Multiple Sclerosis: Prevalence, Pathophysiological Mechanisms, and Disease Consequences. Front Neurol. 2017;8:740. https://​doi.​org/​10.​3389/​fneur.​2017.​00740 This review was aiming to shed light in the pathophysiological mechanisms that contribute to sleep disordered breathing in people with MS or whether MS contributes to SDB disease progression. The authors concluded that recent evidence indicate that treatment of SDB in people with MS with conventional first-line therapy, continuous positive airway pressure therapy, can reduce fatigue and cognitive impairment. PubMedCrossRef
55.
go back to reference Sleep-related breathing disorders in adults: recommendations for syndrome definition and measurement techniques in clinical research. The Report of an American Academy of Sleep Medicine Task Force. Sleep. 1999;22(5):667–89. Sleep-related breathing disorders in adults: recommendations for syndrome definition and measurement techniques in clinical research. The Report of an American Academy of Sleep Medicine Task Force. Sleep. 1999;22(5):667–89.
60.
go back to reference Chotinaiwattarakul W, O'Brien LM, Fan L, Chervin RD. Fatigue, tiredness, and lack of energy improve with treatment for OSA. J Clin Sleep Med. 2009;5(3):222–7.PubMedPubMedCentral Chotinaiwattarakul W, O'Brien LM, Fan L, Chervin RD. Fatigue, tiredness, and lack of energy improve with treatment for OSA. J Clin Sleep Med. 2009;5(3):222–7.PubMedPubMedCentral
61.
62.
go back to reference Najafi MR, Toghianifar N, Etemadifar M, Haghighi S, Maghzi AH, Akbari M. Circadian rhythm sleep disorders in patients with multiple sclerosis and its association with fatigue: a case-control study. Journal of research in medical sciences : the official journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. 2013;18(Suppl 1):S71–3. Najafi MR, Toghianifar N, Etemadifar M, Haghighi S, Maghzi AH, Akbari M. Circadian rhythm sleep disorders in patients with multiple sclerosis and its association with fatigue: a case-control study. Journal of research in medical sciences : the official journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. 2013;18(Suppl 1):S71–3.
64.
go back to reference Taphoorn MJ, van Someren E, Snoek FJ, Strijers RL, Swaab DF, Visscher F, et al. Fatigue, sleep disturbances and circadian rhythm in multiple sclerosis. J Neurol. 1993;240(7):446–8.PubMedCrossRef Taphoorn MJ, van Someren E, Snoek FJ, Strijers RL, Swaab DF, Visscher F, et al. Fatigue, sleep disturbances and circadian rhythm in multiple sclerosis. J Neurol. 1993;240(7):446–8.PubMedCrossRef
65.
go back to reference Ferini-Strambi L, Filippi M, Martinelli V, Oldani A, Rovaris M, Zucconi M, et al. Nocturnal sleep study in multiple sclerosis: correlations with clinical and brain magnetic resonance imaging findings. J Neurol Sci. 1994;125(2):194–7.PubMedCrossRef Ferini-Strambi L, Filippi M, Martinelli V, Oldani A, Rovaris M, Zucconi M, et al. Nocturnal sleep study in multiple sclerosis: correlations with clinical and brain magnetic resonance imaging findings. J Neurol Sci. 1994;125(2):194–7.PubMedCrossRef
Metadata
Title
Sleep Abnormalities in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors
Giorgos K. Sakkas, PhD
Christoforos D. Giannaki, PhD
Christina Karatzaferi, PhD
Mauro Manconi, MD, PhD
Publication date
01-01-2019
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Treatment Options in Neurology / Issue 1/2019
Print ISSN: 1092-8480
Electronic ISSN: 1534-3138
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11940-019-0544-7

Other articles of this Issue 1/2019

Current Treatment Options in Neurology 1/2019 Go to the issue

Pediatric Neurology (A Yeshokumar, Section Editor)

Treatment Approaches for MOG-Ab-Associated Demyelination in Children

Neurologic Manifestations of Systemic Disease (A Wilkins, Section Editor)

Treatment and Outcomes in Nutritional Optic Neuropathy