Learn more about the link between MS and sleep and how to sleep better with MS.
Common Types of Sleep Disturbances in MS Patients
Sleep disturbances interfere with sleeping well and are caused by sleep disorders and lifestyle habits. Sleep disorders are medical conditions related to difficulties getting enough sleep, sleeping well, being able to sleep when needed, and being rested enough to function during the day.
MS patients face unique challenges when it comes to sleep due to:
Frequent nighttime urination Depression Spasticity (involuntary muscle tightening) Sleeping position Sleep hygiene
The Effect of Mental Health on Sleep
People with MS may face mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, or pseudobulbar affect, or PBA. This is a medical condition that involves a loss of control of emotions, including extreme laughing or crying. Mental health challenges can make it harder to sleep or sleep well.
Is MS Worse at Night?
Some people with MS experience worse symptoms at night. Muscle tightness called spasticity is a symptom of MS that can get worse at night because the muscles are not as active as in the daytime. This can make it harder to fall asleep and can interfere with sleep quality.
Solutions for MS Sleep Problems
The solutions to sleep problems depend on the cause, which is true for everyone, but there are special considerations for people with MS.
For example, people who do not exercise or move enough during the day are more likely to have trouble sleeping, so increasing activity and exercise can improve sleep. Up to 90% of people with MS experience debilitating fatigue, making it harder to be active.
Habits to Avoid
Many daily habits can help or interfere with sleep. Paying close attention to these habits is critical for people with MS to manage sleep-related symptoms.
Here are some habits to avoid for better sleep:
Drinking caffeine or alcohol or eating chocolate, especially later in the dayEating or drinking too much close to bedtimeExercising later in the dayUsing electronics or screens before going to bed
Here are some tips to follow for better sleep:
Create a bedtime ritual. Dim the lights before bed. Do something physically active early in the day. Keep a regular sleep schedule.
Sleep Positions to Try
There is no perfect sleep position that works for everyone. However, it helps to be comfortable and ensure that your spine is aligned, which tends to coincide with sleeping on your side or back.
For people with MS, getting comfortable at night may be more challenging due to symptoms such as pain and spasticity. Even so, finding a good position and sleeping well is possible. For example, lying in positions that reduce spasticity and using pillows for support can help.
Healthcare professionals can help you find the most comfortable sleep position for you. Reach out to a member of your healthcare team for support.
When to See Your Healthcare Provider
It is important to see a healthcare provider when sleep problems last longer than a few weeks or interfere with daily life. Seek care immediately if there are any signs of sleep apnea or difficulty breathing during sleep. This condition can lead to heart problems and even death; some people do not know they have it.
Lying on your left side if you have digestive challenges with MS Sleeping on your side or back to keep your spine aligned Trying stomach- or side-sleeping positions if you have sleep apnea (breathing that stops and starts throughout the night) with MS Using pillows to provide support for problems of spasticity
Medical professionals, like neurologists, who treat multiple sclerosis can help with MS symptoms that interfere with sleep. Pulmonologists specializing in and breathing-related problems and sleep medicine can help with sleep disorders.
Snoring Not feeling rested in the morning Coughing or gasping for air during sleep Waking with a dry mouth in the morning Breathing pauses during sleep Having headaches in the morning
Summary
Sleep problems are common among people with MS. Not getting enough sleep can worsen MS symptoms and interfere with daily life. People with MS can sleep better by seeking treatment for symptoms that make it hard to sleep well, finding a comfortable sleeping position, and consulting with a healthcare provider about possible sleep disorders.
A Word From Verywell
Living with MS and having sleep problems can be challenging and overwhelming, especially when one condition makes the other worse. If you or someone you know has MS with sleep problems, know that help is available. Reach out to a healthcare provider for support. It is possible to sleep well with MS and live a happy, fulfilled life.
