SLEEP DISTURBANCE AND MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Abbey J. Hughes, PhD
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine
University of Washington School of Medicine

Original Document Available at: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/NationalMSSociety/media/MSNationalFiles/Documents/Sleep_Hughes_2016.pdf

Introduction 

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease characterized by loss of myelin (demyelination) and damage to nerve fibers (neurodegeneration) in the central nervous system (CNS). MS is associated with a diverse range of physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral symptoms, and can significantly interfere with daily functioning and overall quality of life. MS directly impacts the CNS by causing demyelinating lesions, or plaques, in the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerve; by contributing to overall tissue loss (atrophy) in these areas; and by interrupting communication between key neural pathways that are needed to maintain regular sensory and motor function. [...]