A study of "Sleep and MS" for the treatment of fatigue

Study Description:
Previous studies have found an association between sleep disorders and fatigue in patients suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS). Therefore, it is safe to assume that fatigue is at least one possible cause of an existing sleep disorder. Our latest study looks further into this connection by investigating whether treating sleep disorders in patients with MS also alleviates fatigue.

In this respect, MS patients that have been diagnosed with a sleep disorder in the sleep lab were randomly assigned to either a treatment group or a control group. The treatment group received sleep medication therapy during the entire study. The control group continued with the previous treatment for fatigue and only received sleep medication therapy six months later, after the study has been completed. Women and men between the ages of 18 and 75 suffering from any form of multiple sclerosis took part. The study was carried out at the NCRC in Berlin, Mitte. Each participant received a one-time remuneration.

Title of study: Effects of sleep medication treatment on fatigue in multiple sclerosis patients with elevated values ​​in the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (> 34) or the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Questionnaire (> 5) as part of a prospective controlled trial study (sleep and MS)

Participation in the study entailed the following:

- There was an initial question and discussion session to clarify and provide information which included a physical examination. In addition, some written questionnaires were completed.

- The diagnostics of the sleep medication therapy took place during a two night stay in the sleep laboratory and included multiple sleep latency tests (MSLT) during the day

- Patients of the therapy group were also taking the sleep medication therapy. This medication can vary considerably, depending on the kind of sleep disorder and overall medical condition.

- A final doctor's examination took place six months after the start of the sleep medication therapy or the waiting phase. All patients did fill out additional questionnaires at that time.

Contacts:
Gritt Stoffels
030 - 450 539 040
gritt.stoffels(at)charite.de

Principle Investigators: Prof. Dr. Friedemann Paul (AG Klinische Neuroimmunologie, NCRC) and Christian Veauthier, M.D. (Medizinische Klinik mit Schwerpunkt Kardiologie und Angiologie / Interdisciplinary Center for Sleep Medicine Zentrum; CCM) Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin