| خلاصه مقاله | INTRODUCTION Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system that significantly affects patients’ quality of life. Fatigue is one of the most disabling symptoms of MS, commonly measured using the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). Sleep disturbances are also highly prevalent in MS, with patients frequently reporting poorer sleep quality compared to healthy individuals. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between fatigue and sleep quality in MS to better understand their interrelated impact. Fig. 1. Prisma flow diagram. METHODS This systematic review and meta-analysis followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus. Eligible studies assessed sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and fatigue using the MFIS in MS patients. Risk of bias was evaluated using JBI critical appraisal tools, and meta-analysis was performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 3 (CMA3). RESULTS Among 1,160 identified records, 12 studies met inclusion criteria. Six studies examining the correlation between MFIS and PSQI demonstrated a statistically significant positive association, with a pooled effect size of r = 0.482 (95% CI: 0.432–0.528; I² = 31.8%; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS This review confirms a moderate positive correlation between fatigue and poorer sleep quality in MS patients. These findings emphasize the need for integrated clinical strategies targeting both symptoms to improve overall quality of life. |