World Sleep Day – Managing Fatigue and Sleep Disturbances When Living With MS

If you live with multiple sclerosis (MS), you know that fatigue and sleep disturbances can be some of the most challenging symptoms to manage.

You may find yourself exhausted even after a whole night’s sleep, struggling to stay awake during the day, or waking up frequently throughout the night. These disruptions can make it harder to cope with other MS symptoms and affect your overall quality of life.

World Sleep Day is a vital reminder of sleep’s essential role in overall health and well-being. Understanding the connection between MS and sleep disturbances, exploring potential treatment options like biologic therapy, and adopting practical strategies can help you regain control over your sleep and energy levels.

How MS Impacts Sleep and Fatigue

Many people with MS experience chronic fatigue, a type of exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest.

MS-related fatigue is different from regular tiredness because the disease itself often causes it. Additionally, MS can cause your body to work harder to complete daily activities, leaving you feeling drained more quickly.

MS can also cause sleep disturbances, which can be caused by various factors, including inflammation, nerve damage, and disruptions in brain signaling that can interfere with sleep regulation and energy levels.

Because these symptoms seem unrelated to MS, they are often overlooked or misdiagnosed. Please talk to your doctor if you struggle with:

Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS): An uncomfortable urge to move your legs when resting, especially at night.

Sleep apnea: Pauses in breathing that disrupts sleep cycles.

Nocturia: Frequent nighttime urination that interrupts sleep. Nocturia affects as many as 48.8% of MS patients.

Pain and muscle spasms: Discomfort that makes it hard to stay asleep.

Can Biologic Therapy Help with Fatigue and Sleep?

Biologic therapies have emerged as a promising treatment for MS, offering a way to slow disease progression and improve symptom management.

These medications target specific parts of the immune system to reduce inflammation and slow and even prevent further nerve damage.

Many MS patients who receive biologic therapy report improvements in fatigue levels, likely due to:

Reduced inflammation: Less immune system activity means your body isn’t constantly on alert, which results in less inflammation.

Fewer relapses: Stabilizing your condition can help prevent worsening symptoms that disrupt sleep.

Better overall symptom control: When pain, muscle stiffness, and bladder issues improve, you’re more likely to get quality sleep.

If you’re struggling with extreme fatigue and sleep disturbances, talking to your doctor about biologic therapy may be a valuable step toward better management.

Practical Tips for Managing Fatigue and Sleep Disturbances

While medical treatment plays a crucial role in managing MS-related fatigue and sleep issues, lifestyle adjustments can also make a significant difference.

Here are some strategies to help you feel more rested:

1. Prioritize Sleep Hygiene

• Stick to a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends.
• Create a calming bedtime routine, such as reading or listening to soft music.
• Keep your bedroom temperature cool, and minimize light and noise to reduce disruptions.
• Avoid screens, caffeine, and heavy meals before bedtime.

2. Manage Your Energy Wisely

• Keep track of your energy levels and plan your day around times when you have the most of it.
• Take short naps (20–30 minutes) instead of long ones to avoid grogginess.
• Pace yourself by breaking tasks into smaller steps with rest breaks in between.

3. Address Pain and Discomfort

• Use heat therapy or gentle stretching before bed to ease muscle tension.
• If pain keeps you awake, discuss medication options with your doctor.
• Consider massage or physical therapy to help with muscle stiffness.

4. Treat Underlying Sleep Disorders

• If you suspect sleep apnea, talk to your doctor about getting tested.
• Manage restless legs syndrome by ensuring you have enough iron and magnesium in your diet.
• Speak with your doctor about bladder management strategies to reduce nighttime urination.

5. Support Your Mental Health

MS-related sleep disturbances can increase stress and anxiety, which in turn makes sleep harder. To counteract these, try the following:

• Practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing.
• Consider talking to a therapist for support in managing stress and emotions.

Living with MS means facing challenges, but when it comes to fatigue and sleep disturbances, you don’t have to suffer in silence.

Work with your healthcare team to devise a strategy to address any underlying sleep disorders and take steps toward feeling more rested and energized.

This World Sleep Day, take a moment to prioritize your rest because quality sleep is essential to your well-being.

If fatigue and sleep issues affect your daily life, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor about treatment options that can help.