Mindfulness and Melatonin May Help Sleep in Multiple Sclerosis

This systematic review and meta-analysis looked at treatments for sleep problems in people with multiple sclerosis. The researchers combined data from ten different studies, with five eligible for detailed statistical analysis. The group included people with multiple sclerosis who received various interventions. These treatments involved physical activity, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, melatonin, eszopiclone, and transcranial direct current stimulation. The study tracked sleep outcomes like total sleep time and sleep efficiency using activity monitors. The review followed participants for an average of 3.7 months. Results showed that sleep efficiency improved following mindfulness interventions. No adverse events were reported in the included studies. However, the small number of studies limits definitive conclusions about these treatments. Future trials should consider a wider range of outcome measures and longer time horizons to better understand long-term effects. Readers should view these findings as preliminary until larger studies confirm the results.