SLEEP IN PATIENTS WITH AMYOTROPHIC-LATERAL-SCLEROSIS

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis can be associated with profound sleep di sturbances resulting from factors such as reduced mobility, muscle cra mps, swallowing problems and anxiety. Although few studies have examin ed sleep patterns in ALS, disease-related symptoms such as restless le gs and increased myoclonic activity can disturb both the initiation an d maintenance of sleep. In addition, sleep-disordered breathing, exhib iting as hypoventilation, has been reported in patients with ALS. inte rference with sleep patterns may produce daytime symptoms and activiti es of daily living can be further affected by an increased incidence o f depression. Pharmacotherapy of sleep disturbance should be directed at the underlying cause and when hypnotics are required these should b e short acting to minimise the carry-over effect into daytime.