P74 SLEEP QUALITY IS ASSOCIATED WITH CEREBROVASCULAR FUNCTION IN INDIVIDUALS WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Abstract

Introduction: Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) exhibit impaired cerebrovascular function and have poor sleep quality. In the general population, poor sleep contributes to cerebrovascular dysfunction and is related to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Improving sleep quality may have beneficial effects in preventing CVD; however, the relationship between sleep quality and cerebrovascular function in MS has not been examined. Purpose: To examine the effect of sleep quality on cerebrovascular function in individuals with MS. Methods: Sixteen individuals with MS had sleep quality assessed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Individuals were categorized as having poor sleep quality (n = 6, score >5) or good sleep quality (n = 10, score ≤5). Cerebrovascular function was assessed via transcranial Doppler ultrasound with the following hemodynamic outcomes: mean middle cerebral artery velocity (mMCAv), pulsatility index (PI), and resistance index (RI). An automated blood pressure cuff was used to measure baseline blood pressure (systolic, diastolic, mean (SBP, DBP, MAP)) and heart rate in a seated position. End-tidal CO2 (EtCO2) was measured by gas capnography. Results: Those with poor sleep quality had greater PI and RI, and lower mMCAv compared to those with good sleep quality (p<0.05, table 1). No group differences were seen for weight, height, BMI, CO2, or hemodynamic variables. Conclusion: Our results suggest that individuals with MS with poor sleep quality have worsened indicators of cerebrovascular function. Therefore, sleep quality may be related to the elevated CVD risk in individual with MS, and it should be assessed in future studies evaluating cerebrovascular function in MS, including intervention studies.