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Sleep disorders are highly prevalent among individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), affecting nearly half of the patient population, according to study results presented at the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) Congress 2025, held in Barcelona, Spain from September 24 to 26, 2025.
Although previous reports have suggested that sleep problems are common in MS, global estimates have been inconsistent. To provide clarity, investigators performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the overall prevalence of sleep disorders among patients with MS and to evaluate the frequency of specific conditions such as insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome.
The investigators conducted searches of PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science through February 2025, following PRISMA 2020 recommendations. Two reviewers independently screened studies using the Covidence platform, and extracted data were entered into spreadsheets and analyzed using R statistical software. The quality of included articles was assessed with the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist.
A total of 44 studies, representing 7062 individuals with MS, were included in the pooled analysis. Overall, 49.50% (95% CI, 42.72-56.30) of patients were found to have a sleep disorder. Among the 16 studies that reported subtype data, insomnia was the most frequent condition, affecting 41.9% (95% CI, 26.67-57.94) of patients. Obstructive sleep apnea was present in 40.36% (95% CI, 26.74-54.75), while restless leg syndrome occurred in 21.85% (95% CI, 13.94 to 30.91).
Quality ratings showed that 23 studies were high quality, 18 moderate, and 3 low. Although the funnel plot demonstrated asymmetry, Egger’s test did not suggest a significant risk of publication bias.
According to the investigators, “This study underscores the importance of screening for sleep disorders in MS patients, as addressing these conditions could improve both sleep quality and the overall well-being of individuals living with MS.”
