According to a recent study published in the journal Biological Rhythm Research, myasthenia gravis (MG) affects patients’ sleep, daily rhythms and mental health in ways that suggest MG can be thought of as a whole-body disorder, rather than just a neuromuscular one.
Researchers in Turkey compared 46 people with MG to 46 healthy individuals. They used questionnaires to measure the participants’ sleep quality, mood and biological rhythms (such as sleeping, eating, activity and social patterns). Participants with MG also had tests to see how well their brain, nerves and muscles were working together.
The study found that people with MG had more problems with sleep, daily activity, social interactions and eating routines compared to those without MG. Their sleep quality was significantly worse, and they reported higher levels of depression and anxiety. These symptoms were strongly linked: Poor sleep was closely related to feeling more anxious or depressed.
People with the generalized form of MG (affecting multiple muscle groups) had worse sleep and higher mental distress than those with only eye muscle involvement (ocular MG).
Patients whose brain electrical activity showed certain abnormalities (called “decrement-positive EEG findings”) also had worse sleep quality, anxiety and rhythm irregularities.
Read more about MG signs and symptoms
The researchers suggested that MG should be viewed not just as a muscle disease, but as one that can affect the brain’s internal “biological clock” and emotional balance. They believe immune system changes in MG may disrupt brain regions that control sleep and mood, such as the hypothalamus.
“Our study clearly demonstrates the necessity of evaluating not only neurological but also psychiatric and rhythmic functions in the follow-up of MG patients,” the researchers said.
Treatments that help keep the body’s daily rhythms stable — like having good sleep habits, using light to regulate the sleep-wake cycle and keeping regular daily routines — might help improve how the nerves and muscles work in people with MG, they said.
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