Management of sleep disturbance in multiple sclerosis: a survey of current practice in the UK

<jats:p> Purpose: This cross-sectional survey explored the management of sleep disturbance by multiple sclerosis (MS) nurses and therapists. </jats:p><jats:p> Method: 256 MS professionals were invited to anonymously complete a survey to describe their current practice regarding management of sleep disturbance. </jats:p><jats:p> Results: The 181 respondents (71% response rate) worked across a range of settings, typically within a multidisciplinary team (74%) and an MS (58%) or neurology (29%) environment; almost half (44%) had worked in this area for over 10 years. Although most (86%) considered sleep management part of their role, only 9% felt very confident in their knowledge. Relatively few used specific assessment instruments (33%). Varying interventions were used (e.g. advice, fatigue management programmes, exercise), typically on an individual basis (91%). </jats:p><jats:p> Conclusions: This survey provides an initial understanding of practice by experienced MS nurses and therapists in the UK. It suggests that their knowledge about management of sleep disturbance, particularly assessment instruments, is limited. Verification of these findings is needed. </jats:p>