Author Interviews, Multiple Sclerosis, Sleep Disorders, UC Davis / 14.09.2014
Multiple Sclerosis: Sleep Disorders Both Common and Underdiagnosed
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Steven D. Brass, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A.
PI and Lead Author on the study
Director of Neurology Sleep Clinical Program
Co-Medical Director of Sleep Medicine Laboratory
Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Neurology
UC Davis Health System 4860 Y Street — Suite 3700
Sacramento, CA 95817
Medical Research: What was the primary finding of your study?
Dr. Brass : Among the 11,400 surveys mailed out to all members of the Northern California Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 2,810 (24.6%) were returned. Of these, 2,375 (84.5%) met the inclusion criteria. Among the completed surveys, 898 (37.8%) screened positive for obstructive sleep apnea, 746 (31.6%) for moderate to severe insomnia, and 866 (36.8%) for restless legs syndrome. In contrast, only 4%, 11%, and 12% of the cohort reported being diagnosed by a health care provider with obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, and restless legs syndrome, respectively. Excessive daytime sleepiness was noted in 30% of respondents based on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. More than 60% of the respondents reported an abnormal level of fatigue based on the Fatigue Severity Scale. There was also an increased risk between complaints of Fatigue based on screening positive for the Fatigue Severity Scale and screening positive for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (1.850, with a 95% p-value < 0.001).
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