The Relationship Among Multiple Sclerosis–Related Symptoms, Sleep Quality, and Sleep Hygiene Behaviors

ABSTRACT Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the relationships among multiple sclerosis (MS)–related symptoms, sleep hygiene behaviors, and sleep quality in adults with MS who self-report fatigue. Background: Fatigue is a frequent, prevalent symptom among adults with MS. Few studies have examined the relationship among fatigue and other symptoms with sleep quality and sleep behaviors. Design: This is a descriptive correlational study. Methods: A convenience sample of 39 adults with MS were recruited for the study. Instruments used included the revised MS Related Symptom Scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Correlations examined the relationships among fatigue and other MS symptoms with sleep quality and sleep hygiene behaviors. Results: The frequency of several symptoms correlated with poor sleep quality, and fatigue frequency was higher in those who used electronic devices and practiced poor sleep hygiene behaviors. Nursing Implications: Nurses should incorporate interventions for symptoms that impact sleep quality. These findings suggest that sleep hygiene education should be a part of routine clinical care. Conclusion: Adults with MS experience the burden of many symptoms that impact sleep quality. Interventions that include education to improve symptoms, sleep hygiene behaviors, and sleep quality are needed.