The Effect of Music Therapy on Sleep Quality in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system. Conventional treatments often fail to adequately address symptoms such as sleep disturbances. Objective: To investigate the efficacy of music therapy as a complementary intervention in improving sleep quality among patients with multiple sclerosis. Methods: This randomized controlled trial enrolled 60 patients with MS from the Comprehensive MS Center in Mashhad. Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (music therapy plus standard care) or a control group (standard care only). The intervention group received music therapy sessions three times daily for two weeks. Sleep quality was assessed at baseline and post-intervention using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Results: Baseline PSQI scores did not differ significantly between groups (10.5 ± 2.8 vs. 11.8 ± 3.3, P = 0.118). After the intervention, the intervention group showed a significant improvement in sleep quality compared to the control group (9.4 ± 2.6 vs. 10.9 ± 3.0, P = 0.047). Conclusion: Music therapy is a safe, accessible, and cost-effective complementary intervention that significantly improves sleep quality in patients with MS.