A multidimensional approach to sleep health in multiple sclerosis.

backgroundAlthough sleep disturbances are common among people with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS), understanding of their impact has been stymied by limitations in approaches to sleep measurement within this population. The aim of this study was to comprehensively phenotype sleep patterns in PwMS through application of an emerging seven-domain framework that includes sleep duration, continuity, timing, quality, rhythmicity, regularity, and sleepiness.

methodsSleep domains were estimated from wrist-worn accelerometry, Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index responses. Extreme sleep values within each domain were constructed using previously published guidelines. A composite score of extreme values was calculated for each participant. Associations between sleep domains and severity of MS symptoms were explored (pain, fatigue, depressive symptoms, and cognitive dysfunction).

resultsAmong n = 49 participants, median total sleep time was 456.3 min. Median time spent awake after sleep onset was 37 min. Sleepiness, abnormal sleep timing, and poor sleep quality affected 33%, 35%, and 45% of participants, respectively. Seventy-six percent had ≥2 sleep domains in extreme ranges. PwMS had longer sleep duration and decreased sleep regularity compared to a non-MS historical cohort of older men. Greater daytime sleepiness, poorer sleep quality, and higher composite sleep health score were associated with more depressive symptoms, and lower sleep rhythmicity was associated with higher fatigue. Associations were observed between measures of cognitive function and sleep fragmentation, duration, quality, rhythmicity, and composite score.

conclusionApplication of a seven-domain sleep health framework that captures the dynamic and multifaceted aspects of sleep is feasible in PwMS, and offers potential for an improved understanding of the scope and impact of sleep disturbances in PwMS.