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Comorbidity between sleep apnea and insomnia
Antonio Benetó1, Enriqueta Gomez-Siurana, Pilar Rubio-Sanchez
1Unidad de Sueño, Servicio Neurofisiología Clínica, Hospital Universitario La Fe, Avenida de Campanar 21, Valencia, Spain. beneto_ant@gva.es
Sleep Medicine Reviews
|February 28, 2009
Summary
Insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are increasingly linked. This review explores their association, clinical factors, and potential metabolic implications, highlighting the need for physician training.
Area of Science:
- Sleep Medicine
- Pulmonology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- The link between insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been historically under-recognized.
- Recent research indicates a high prevalence of insomnia symptoms in patients diagnosed with OSA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing data on the association between OSA and insomnia.
- To explore the clinical profile, contributing factors, and metabolic implications of this comorbidity.
- To discuss the potential role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in their interrelation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of published data on sleep-disordered breathing (SDB)-plus, OSA, and insomnia.
- Analysis of clinical profiles, etiological factors (including comorbidities like depression and restless legs syndrome), and metabolic pathways.
- Examination of hypotheses regarding the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
Main Results:
- OSA is frequently associated with insomnia complaints.
- Factors contributing to insomnia in OSA patients include OSA severity, comorbidities, and potential neurobiological mechanisms.
- Metabolic implications and the role of the HPA axis are areas for further investigation.
Conclusions:
- The association between OSA and insomnia is complex and warrants greater clinical attention.
- Interdisciplinary understanding and physician training are crucial for effectively managing patients with both conditions.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and metabolic consequences.
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