Sleep disorders

Abstract

In populations with serious chronic illness, sleep disturbances represent frequent distressing symptoms. The more common disorders include insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, and circadian rhythm sleep disorders. Primary sleep disturbances are thought to be a disorder of hyperarousal. Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis dysfunction has also been confirmed. Secondary sleep disorders may occur as a result of the advanced disease or its treatments. It has been associated with a large number of potential causes, both physical and psychological. Chronic medication use, neurological or psychiatric disorders, and environmental factors can also contribute. This chapter discusses the diagnosis of sleep disturbances, and both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments.