MS: Busting the Myths
October 31, 2024 | Life with MS, News, Symptoms
For people living with multiple sclerosis (MS), sleep disturbances can be a common but troublesome side effect that impacts their lives in multiple ways. For patients, students and health professionals, understanding the symptoms of some of these problems is key to making MS patients’ lives easier, deepening knowledge, and increasing awareness of the condition.
In this guide, we look at four of the most prevalent sleep problems related to MS.
Insomnia in people with MS often arises from pain, anxiety, or medication side effects, and manifests as difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early. It can exacerbate daytime fatigue, which in itself is a common symptom of MS – this can lead to a vicious cycle where lack of sleep increases exhaustion, making it even harder to rest adequately.
Managing insomnia often requires a multifaceted approach, including stress management techniques, consulting with healthcare providers about medication adjustments, and implementing good sleep hygiene practices.
RLS is a neurological condition characterised by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations that tend to be described as itching, prickling or crawling. This condition is more prevalent in individuals with MS than in the general population. Symptoms usually occur during periods of rest or inactivity, especially at night, significantly disrupting sleep.
Treatments can include lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and, in some cases, prescribed medications. Identifying and treating RLS can significantly improve the sleep quality of those affected by MS.
Sleep apnea causes breathing to repeatedly stop and start during sleep. This condition is more common in people with MS, especially those who are overweight or have lesions in the brainstem area that affect respiratory control. Sleep apnea significantly reduces sleep quality, leading to daytime drowsiness and cognitive difficulties, complicating the daily lives of those with MS.
A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is often recommended to maintain an open airway during sleep for people who have severe, obstructive sleep apnea. In addition, regular consultations with sleep specialists can ensure personalised treatment plans are effectively managing the condition.
Nocturia, or frequent nighttime urination, is another sleep-disrupting issue frequently faced by individuals with MS. It can occur as a result of bladder dysfunction, reduced bladder capacity, or certain medications, and can result in frequent awakenings during the night, leading to fragmented sleep.
Strategies for managing nocturia include fluid intake management, pelvic floor exercises, and discussing possible changes in medication or additional therapies with healthcare providers. Understanding and addressing this condition can contribute significantly to improving overall sleep quality and reducing the fatigue associated with MS.
It’s important to recognize that MS impacts people of all ages, from children (although rare) to young adults and seniors. Because of this, lives can be affected in different ways, and individuals require different approaches to improve symptoms. For example, students should focus on solutions that allow them to get adequate rest throughout their studies, while professionals will need to seek therapies that allow them to effectively balance downtime and work.
While sleep problems in MS can be deeply challenging, understanding them is the first step towards managing them effectively. As research continues, tailored interventions promise a better quality of life by improving sleep health for individuals affected by this chronic condition.
Thank you to Haylin Hendrix from 6XD Media for this article.