Impact of Sleep Disorder Treatments on Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the symptoms people with MS commonly experience, and for some, it’s the symptom that affects them the most. While the experience of fatigue varies from person to person, the effects can be felt both mentally and physically, leading fatigue to impact on daily life. 

A recent study examined the association between fatigue and sleep disorders, with the report concluding that sleep disturbances and disorders are significantly associated with fatigue in MS.

The survey focused on a study group of 62 patients, with each person completing standardised questionnaires. Among the questionnaires issued were the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Three months after the initial tests, 56 patients completed the tests again, of those, 21 people now reported as having their sleep disorder treated. 

Results found that those with sleep disorders receiving treatment showed improved energy levels as assessed by fatigue severity scales. This highlights the importance of diagnosing and treating sleep disorders when appropriate, and for people with MS, this may mean an improvement in their quality of life.

Read an overview of the study on Pub Med’s website, and a summary of the findings on MSIF’s website. 

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