Comparison of sleep complaints and quality of life between patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and healthy controls

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a chronic autoimmune disorder which is associated with sleep disturbances and a lower quality of life. The aims of the study were: (1) Comparing sleep characteristics, quality of life, and symptoms of depression and anxiety between patients with NMOSD and healthy controls (HCs). (2) Predicting sleep characteristics among patients with NMOSD based on psychological and illness-related factors. METHOD: A total of 41 patients with NMOSD (Mean age=37.48 years; 73.2 f) and 46 matched HCs took part in the study. Individuals with NMOSD reported on illness duration, fatigue and EDSS scores; further, all participants completed self-rating questionnaires covering sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome, quality of life, depression and anxiety. RESULTS: Compared to HCs, individuals with NMOSD reported a lower quality of life, higher symptoms of anxiety and depression, and more symptoms of restless legs syndrome. Among individuals with NMOSD, longer illness duration and higher fatigue scores predicted poor sleep quality. CONCLUSION: Compared to HCs, individuals with NMOSD reported poorer quality of life and higher levels of depression and anxiety. Further, among individuals with NMOSD, sleep characteristics are predicted by a complex variety of illness-related factors.