Sleep Disorders in Huntington ’s Disease

ConclusionsDifferent patterns of sleep disturbances are observed in HD patients: insomnia, difficulties in falling asleep, frequent nocturnal awakenings, and excessive daytime sleepiness are the most common sleep problems reported by patients with HD. In several HD studies, specific changes in sleep architecture and in circadian melatonin secretion were identified in laboratory testing.Sleep disorders in HD have diverse and complex determinants, the most significant of which includes damage to brain areas that are responsible for the proper sleep pattern and circadian rhythm regulation. Sleep and circadian rhythm disorders in HD might also be associated with psychiatric disorders, especially depression, mania, and anxiety disorders. Another group of factors related to sleep disturbances in HD are involuntary movements and increased motor activity during sleep, and other motor disturbances. Moreover, the pattern of sleep disorders in HD is often altered by the many drugs used to alleviate the core symptoms of the disease, a substantial number of which may adversely affect sleep.Therefore, studies on sleep disorders in HD are associated with numerous difficulties, as is also the case with other neurodegenerative diseases. However, identification of sleep disorders and more comprehensive recognition of their causes are necessary to ensure adequate care and treatment for patients. Disorders of sleep and the circadian rhythm in patients with HD can contribute to exacerbation of sy...
Source: Frontiers in Psychiatry - Category: Psychiatry Source Type: research