MS and sleep: Tips for getting better rest

Last updated April 30, 2025, by Roslyn Marano

Sleep is essential for overall health, but getting quality rest can be challenging for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). MS symptoms like pain, muscle spasms, and sensitivity to temperature changes can make falling or staying asleep difficult, leading to fatigue and a lower quality of life.

In some cases, sleep problems from MS may be directly linked to the disease, while in others, factors like stress, medication side effects, or environmental influences play a role.

For example, sensitivity to heat may make it harder to sleep in a warm room, while disruptions from noise or light, or even an uncomfortable mattress, can further interfere with rest.

The good news is that there are ways to improve your sleep, even with MS. By understanding how MS and sleep are connected, you can build an MS sleep routine that works for you.

Understanding sleep issues in MS

Sleep challenges can show up early in MS or develop over time. These issues may come and go with symptom flares, or relapses, or be caused by environmental or emotional changes.

They have been shown to worsen perceived fatigue, increase irritability, impair memory and concentration, and reduce motivation. Expert commentary emphasizes that these symptoms often overlap, creating a cycle of poor rest and worsening fatigue.

Common sleep problems

Some of the most common sleep problems for people with MS include insomnia, restless leg syndrome (RLS), sleep apnea, and nocturia.

• Insomnia involves difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or both, which can leave you feeling unrefreshed and fatigued during the day.
• RLS causes an intense urge to move your legs, especially at night.
• Sleep apnea is when your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, which may contribute to daytime exhaustion.
• Nocturia means waking up multiple times to urinate during the night, and it’s a frequent issue for people with MS.

Each of these can contribute to MS sleep issues and can seriously interfere with your body’s recovery time.

Causes and contributing factors

How MS affects sleep depends on various factors. For example, for some people, their pain keeps them awake.

Pain and sleep are often linked in MS, as pain or discomfort from spasticity (muscle stiffness or tightness) or nerve damage may worsen when lying down, making it difficult to get comfortable and stay asleep.

Other contributing factors may include:

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