Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Multiple Sclerosis (Human)

A systematic review analyzed 29 studies with 1167 participants with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) and found a pooled prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) at 30%. The average apnea-hypopnea index was 7.2 events/hour, indicating mostly mild SDB. Factors like higher body mass index, longer disease duration, greater disability, and a higher proportion of progressive MS were linked to increased apnea-hypopnea index, yet no significant odds increase was found compared to controls with lower EDSS

Tags: #MSResearch
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Source: Read original source (PMID 42887229)

This plain-English summary was written by AI from a published abstract and may contain errors. It is not medical advice. Read the original study and talk to your MS team before making decisions about treatment.

Human efficacy: Not yet assessed
Mechanism: Not yet assessed
Evidence strength: Not yet assessed
Outcome: Not yet assessed

Why it matters

These findings highlight a notable prevalence of SDB in individuals with MS, emphasizing the need for awareness and potential screening in clinical settings. Understanding the predictors of elevated apnea-hypopnea index may inform future research and clinical approaches to managing sleep health in MS patients.

What this does not prove

The evidence is limited by substantial heterogeneity across studies and very low certainty regarding the outcomes assessed, which suggests caution in interpreting the findings.

Next milestone

No next milestone was established from the available source.

Study facts

Study design: Systematic review
Participants / samples: Not reported
Randomised: No
Controlled: Yes
Primary endpoint met: Not reported
Relevant MS type: Not reported
Publication date: 2026-10-13
Evidence reviewed: Abstract only
Regulatory approval: Not reported
Research areas: Not classified

Original sources

Primary evidencePrevalence and clinical associations of sleep-disordered breathing in multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. ↗DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2026.107988

Supporting passages (7)

study designMETHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting objective measures of SDB in adults with MS.

subjects29 studies including 1167 PwMS were included.

randomizedMETHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting objective measures of SDB in adults with MS.

controlledCase-control studies (n = 7) did not show significantly increased odds of SDB in PwMS versus controls; however, case-control participants had relatively low EDSS scores.

findingsPooled prevalence of SDB was 30% (95% CI: 21-40%), with a mean AHI of 7.2 events/hour (95% CI: 4.2-10.2), indicating predominantly mild SDB.

publication datePublication date: 2026-10-13

limitationsTitle: Prevalence and clinical associations of sleep-disordered breathing in multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

AI assessment, not yet reviewed by a person · version 1 · Community votes are separate from evidence review.