MS, Sleep Problems and Fatigue - New study results

[Marco]

In summary, the research aimed to increase our awareness of the prevalence and etiology of sleep problems in MS and more importantly, its contribution to the experience of fatigue, one of the most disabling symptoms associated with MS. The study described within also provides further support of the role of sleep on fatigue and the importance of its assessment.

• Initial correlations found physical and cognitive fatigue to be significantly correlated with poor sleep.
• A slightly lower correlation was found with psychosocial fatigue.

Fatigue is a frequent and debilitating symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS) with rates ranging anywhere from 53 to 90%. Despite its high prevalence and grave impact on overall functioning and quality of life, the accurate definition, quantification, and etiology of fatigue have plagued the MS literature and clinical care for decades. With regard to its etiology, MS-related fatigue has been construed as being either primary or secondary. Primary fatigue is purported to be related to centrally mediated processes of the disease whereas secondary fatigue is thought to be a result of the host of factors that may accompany MS (e.g., depression, sleep disturbance). The present paper focuses on secondary fatigue and the role of sleep disturbance, in particular. Despite the intuitive assumption that sleep problems could contribute to fatigue, sleep problems in MS have gone fairly unrecognized until recently.


The Role of Poor Sleep in MS Fatigue
http://journal.frontiersin.org/artic...00021/abstract

Undiagnosed Sleep Disorders in MS Patients http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/publish/news/newsroom/9230

Connection of Sleep Apnea and MS Fatigue
http://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclero...in-ms-patients

[pennstater]

Thanks Marco. My first neuro had sleep study done twice, once when first started to complain about fatigue and again 7 years later when fatigue was chronic and considering disability. Apparently, I sleep really well! I really miss my old neuro, but guess he was entitled to retire.

If anyone does have sleep and/or fatigue problems, ask your neuro about a sleep study. With any luck, they may find something that can be treated.

[JerryD]

All good information, Marco! I discovered the relationship between my MS and sleep deprivation early on in my journey. I also have sleep apnea . But, I am just a cohort of 1 ! Can't prove anything by my experience ! lol

[rdmc]

I changed to a new neuro a few years ago. As part of his "new patient" protocol, he runs all his MS patients through a sleep study.

I did not believe I was having any sleep issues. I did know that I would usually nod off at my computer, several times a day. I just thought it was MS fatigue.

Had the sleep study done and during sleep I had apnea episodes, my O2 was low, and I was getting no REM sleep at all during the entire night.

Started with a CPap but was changed to a BiPap since my apnea is mostly Central Apnea (not obstructive) The principle's the same as a CPap, it's just that the BiPap senses if I stop breathing and increases the pressure automatically as sort of a "jump start" to breathing.

After getting it, I have dreams again (I knew I never dreamed, but didn't connect it with lack of
REM sleep), and I don't doze off. If I forget to put on the BiPap for a night, the inevitable happens, I doze off at my computer the next day. They say the main problem with CPaps and BiPaps is patient compliance. I am highly motivated because of the difference in my "sleepiness" level when I do, versus when I don't wear the mask.

[there]

I don't have any sleep problems, but I never sleep more than 2 hours due to cramps and spasms (nope, stretching and drugs don't work, tried them all), but I don't suffer from fatigue because of that, "just" a sampling of cognitive problems and I am sure I would be much stronger and less debilitated if I actually got any restorative sleep.

[alanpgh]

ECTRIMS 2015: "68% of people with MS who report fatigue have Obstructive Sleep Apnea"

Marco - Thank you for posting about the new study results from 2015.
The following excerpt is from your post above: "Fatigue is a frequent and debilitating symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS) with rates ranging anywhere from 53 to 90%" is interesting.

There is another study from a Poster session at ECTRIMS 2015 by Dr. Mark Gudesblatt from the South Shore Neurologic Associates about sleep problems in MS patients. When you watch the video, Dr. Gudesblatt states, "68% of people with MS who report fatigue have Obstructive Sleep Apnea..." and much more. Please watch the video below and feel free to comment:
http://msworld.org/conference-center...iple-sclerosis

Marco and others: I welcome any comments on the information above.

Personally, about 10 years ago, my Neuro suggested I get a sleep study because he said my deep fatigue might be indicative of sleep problems. I didn't think it was possible but had the study anyway. The result is that i was diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea and immediately went to a sleep specialist with neurological background. I can only speak for myself, but the CPAP machine has made a transformative different in my life ever sense. Much, Much Lower level of fatigue.

Just sharing my experience here, and I look forward to comments from others on your experiences.

Thanks Everyone!

All The Best,
Alan