New Research Shows Link Between Sleep and Thinking Problems in People with MS
January 31, 2023
A recent study showed that sleep problems and thinking (cognitive) problems occurred significantly more frequently in nurses with MS than in nurses who didn’t have MS, and these issues were linked. This means that sleep problems, which are common in MS, may be a factor in the development of cognitive problems. Sleep disorders are treatable (see below). Whether improving sleep can improve cognitive function as well has yet to be determined.
- Background: Sleep difficulties are more common in people with MS than in the general population. In addition, many people with MS develop problems with cognitive function, including information processing and memory. A team from the University of Michigan investigated whether sleep problems contribute to cognitive problems in people with MS.
- This Study: Investigators looked at questionnaires completed by 63,866 nurses (524 of with MS) enrolled in the Nurses’ Health Study. This ongoing study uses questionnaires to track chronic conditions and risk factors for chronic conditions in women nurses. Participants had been asked about diagnosed/suspected sleep disorders and daytime sleepiness. They also had been asked whether they had difficulties with memory, or with cognitive tasks such as following instructions or navigating familiar streets.
- Results: Sleep disorders, sleepiness, and cognitive problems were significantly more common in nurses with MS than in those without MS. Using advanced statistical methods, the group showed that the occurrence of sleep disorders and sleepiness were significantly associated with the development of cognitive impairment.
- The Meaning: Sleep problems and cognitive problems affect many people with MS. This study shows a possible connection, meaning that sleep disorders or excessive sleepiness may be leading to cognitive problems. Further study can help to determine if this is the case. This is important because sleep disorders are treatable. Research in people who do not have MS is starting to show that treatment for some sleep disorders may improve cognition, so there is hope that this may also be true for people living with MS.
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“
Pathways between multiple sclerosis, sleep disorders, and cognitive function: Longitudinal
findings from The Nurses’ Health Study,” by Tiffany J Braley , Monica M Shieu, Afsara B. Zaheed and Galit Levi Dunietz, is published in the
MS Journal (published online January 12, 2023),
Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system. Currently there is no cure. Symptoms vary from person to person and may include disabling fatigue, mobility challenges, cognitive changes, and vision issues. An estimated 1 million people live with MS in the United States. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to minimize disability. Significant progress is being made to achieve a world free of MS.
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