Most people with MS know that hot weather or exercise can temporarily worsen symptoms. But many are surprised to find that the same thing can happen at night — in bed, under blankets, or even after a mild fever. This is Uhthoff’s phenomenon, and it affects up to 80% of people with MS.

What Is Uhthoff’s Phenomenon?

Uhthoff’s phenomenon is a temporary worsening of MS symptoms when body temperature rises. Even a small increase of 0.5°C (less than 1°F) can slow nerve conduction in demyelinated pathways. At night, body heat can rise from:

• Warm blankets, mattresses, or room temperature

• Hormonal changes (night sweats, menopause, etc.)

Many people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience increased sensitivity to sound at night, a symptom of sensory overload linked to central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction. While sound sensitivity can occur at any time, it often becomes more pronounced in quiet environments and when the nervous system is fatigued, such as during the evening or night. This can lead to sleep disturbances, increased MS-related fatigue, and reduced quality of life.

The Neurological Basis: Why MS Causes Sound Sensitivity

MS is characterized by demyelination—the immune system attacks the myelin sheath that insulates nerves, disrupting the transmission of electrical signals in the CNS. This can impair sensory processing, including auditory filtering, which is the brain's ability to prioritize important sounds while suppressing irrelevant background noise.

In MS, lesions in areas of the brain responsible for sensory integration—such as the thalamus, auditory cortex, or brainstem—can cause auditory hypersensitivity, making ordinary sounds seem louder, more intrusive, or…

Sleep apnea is a common but underdiagnosed sleep disorder in multiple sclerosis (MS), with studies suggesting that people with MS are at a higher risk of developing it compared to the general population. Sleep apnea disrupts normal breathing during sleep, leading to repeated drops in oxygen levels and poor sleep quality. This can worsen MS-related fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, cardiovascular health, and overall disease progression.

Research shows that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is prevalent in up to 20-50% of MS patients, often going undiagnosed because its symptoms—such as fatigue, brain fog, and poor concentration—overlap with MS itself. MS-related brainstem damage, muscle weakness, and autonomic dysfunction may contribute to breathing irregularities during sleep. Identifying and managing sleep apnea is crucial for improving both quality of life and long-term neurological outcomes in MS.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes repeated pauses in breathing during sleep due to either airway obstruction (obstructive sleep…

Sleep problems are commonly experienced by individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). MS can affect the central nervous system, leading to various symptoms, including disruptions in sleep patterns. The prevalence of sleep problems in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) can vary widely across studies and populations. However, it is generally recognized that sleep disturbances are common among people with MS.

According to research, the estimated prevalence of sleep problems in individuals with MS ranges from 40% to 70%. This includes various sleep issues such as insomnia, sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome (RLS), nocturia, and periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD). It's important to note that the specific percentages can differ depending on the study design, diagnostic criteria, and the population being examined.

Sleep problems in MS can significantly impact overall quality of life, exacerbate other MS symptoms, and contribute to daytime fatigue and cognitive difficulties. Managing sleep disturbances is an important aspect…

Restoring Sleep: Managing Insomnia in Multiple Sclerosis

More than 50% of MS patients have sleep disorders. Some MS-related symptoms such as spasticity, depression, overthinking, stress, and bladder issues may also cause poor sleep. MS-related Insomnia can be very exhausting. Here are 7 tips for improving your sleep quality:

1- Have nighttime routines, such as taking a shower or going to bed at the same time every night.

2- Avoid overthinking and stressful conversations or emails before going to bed.

3- Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.