Sleep and Fatigue in Children and Adolescents With Multiple Sclerosis

Fatigue is common in children with multiple sclerosis. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of fatigue, sleep disorders, and subjective sleep quality in children with multiple sclerosis, along with their relationships to mood, quality of life, physical activity, and multiple sclerosis disease characteristics. Validated questionnaires were completed, and objective sleep quality was evaluated with polysomnography. Of the 18 children recruited (median age 16.0 years), 72% reported fatigue and 61% experienced subjective sleep disturbance. Fourteen sleep studies were completed, from which 3 children (21%) were diagnosed with sleep disorders: 2 with periodic limb movement disorder and 1 with mild obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep architecture was fragmented in 13 children (93%). Fatigue correlated with subjective sleep disturbance measures. This study demonstrates an increased frequency of subjective and objective sleep disturbance in children with multiple sclerosis. Polysomnography should be considered in children with multiple sclerosis who report fatigue and subjective sleep disturbance.