Sleep and Neuromuscular Disease

M.W. Nicolle

doi:10.1055/s-0029-1237119

Seminars in Neurology, Table of Contents

Semin Neurol 2009; 29(4): 429-437
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1237119

Sleep and Neuromuscular Disease

M.W. Nicolle¹

¹Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario; Myasthenia Gravis Clinic and EMG Laboratory, University Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Sleep disorders in patients with neuromuscular disease are common, but underrecognized by health care providers, and sometimes by patients themselves. Their symptoms may be confused with those of the underlying disease. Their recognition is an important part of the management of patients with neuromuscular disorders, improving quality of life, and sometimes increasing survival. Inadequate ventilation underlies many sleep disorders, and sleep-related disorders may presage daytime ventilatory disorders with disease progression. Involvement of the central or peripheral nervous system, or both, may disrupt sleep, with the relative contribution of each depending on the specific disorder. The pertinent anatomy, physiology, and clinical features of sleep disorders in neuromuscular diseases and a basic approach to their assessment is discussed. Specific neuromuscular disorders in which sleep is commonly affected are reviewed and the principles of management of sleep disorders summarized.

KEYWORDS

Sleep - neuromuscular - respiratory - myasthenia - myopathy - neuropathy

Full Text

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M.W. NicolleM.D. F.R.C.P.C. D. Phil.

Director, Myasthenia Gravis Clinic and EMG Laboratory, University Hospital

London Health Sciences Centre, 339 Windermere Road, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 5A5

Email: mnicolle@uwo.ca