The Effect of Multiple Sclerosis on Sleep
Priyanka Nair, Ann-Marie Raphail, & Maria T. Schultheis, Ph.D.
Department of Psychology, Drexel University
Introduction
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Current research has emphasized the impact of multiple sclerosis
(MS), a neurodegenerative disease, on a variety of physical and
cognitive abilities.
Though less light has been shed on the effects of MS on sleep,
individuals with MS have reported experiencing sudden and
uncontrollable sleepiness. 1
Previous research has found that sleep disorders are more common
in MS patients than in the general population.3
Studies thus come to the conclusion that MS patients may benefit
from treatments targeting sleep and fatigue. 2
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MS participant reported worse sleep quality as compared to the healthy controls,
t(68.71) = 2.74, p < 0.01.
MS participants also reported taking more sleep medication than their healthy
counterparts, t(61.64) = 3.35, p < 0.01.
However, there was no significant difference in the number of hours of sleep reported
between MS and healthy participants, t(69.93) = .78, p = .44.
The aim of this study was to better understand how sleep quality and other
sleep behaviors are affected by MS.
Participants
Age Gender Race Sleep Ratings
Total Sleep
1.4
8
1.2
7
1
6
0.8
Hours
Objective
Freequency of Taking
Medication
Sleep Medication
0.6
0.4
2.5
Rating of Sleep Quality
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Results
5
4
3
2
0.2
1
0
0
MS
HC
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
MS
HC
Healthy Control (n = 33) MS Par4cipants (n = 40) 44.5 (10.32) 47.42 (9.52) Conclusion
25 females 8 males 28 females 7 males 19 AA 14 C 4 AA 31 C •  Individuals with MS report lower quality of sleep than healthy individuals
•  They also report using sleep medication more often.
•  There was no difference in the number of hours of sleep per night
between individuals with and without MS.
•  Though both groups may sleep for the same amount of time, people
with MS need medication more often to help them sleep and their sleep
quality is not as good.
•  Overall, the findings suggest that MS may have a negative impact on
sleep.
•  Sleep is an important daily activity that can greatly effect functioning
throughout the rest of the day and needs to receive more attention in
the MS population.
Method
This research was part of a larger study on multiple sclerosis and driving.
Participants were given the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and asked to selfreport:
•  The quality of their sleep
•  Whether they use medication to help them sleep
•  The number of hours they slept per night
Sponsored in part by a grant awarded to Dr. Maria Schultheis from the Na;onal Mul;ple Sclerosis Society. For further informa;on please contact sg94g745@drexel.edu MS
HC