Why can't you sleep at night with MS?
Sleep problems are incredibly common with MS—about 60 percent of people experience them. There are several reasons why nighttime sleep can be so challenging:
MS-related causes include
- Muscle spasms that wake you up
- Neuropathic pain that's more noticeable when lying down
- Bladder Show Full Answer
Why can't you sleep at night with MS?
Sleep problems are incredibly common with MS—about 60 percent of people experience them. There are several reasons why nighttime sleep can be so challenging:
MS-related causes include:
- Muscle spasms that wake you up
- Neuropathic pain that's more noticeable when lying down
- Bladder issues causing frequent nighttime bathroom trips
- Lesions in the brain or spinal cord affecting sleep regulation
Common sleep disorders in MS:
- Insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep)
- Restless legs syndrome
- Sleep apnea
- Narcolepsy
Other contributing factors:
- Depression and anxiety (affecting almost half of people with MS)
- Side effects from MS medications
- Stress
One MyMSTeam member shared: "I usually wake up in the middle of the night in pain. During the day, I can distract myself. It's at night when I'm lying down that I really feel it."
The good news is there are strategies that can help. Talk with your doctor about what's specifically disrupting your sleep—whether it's pain, spasms, bladder issues, or mood—so they can help address the root cause and improve your rest.
January 12
Do you take vitamin D3? I take mine at night and it helps. It has helped me.
January 14
I can fall asleep at night but I can't stay asleep
January 12
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