Neurodegenerative Disorders and Sleep

Sleep disorders are commonly found in cerebral degenerative disorders. The sleep disorders may be caused by the primary symptoms of the neurologic disease or may result from damage to sleep-controlling centers in the brain. Common sleep disorders found in this population include insomnia, hypersomnia, sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, circadian rhythm disorders, and rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder. The latter disorder can present years before other neurologic symptoms or signs are present, serving as a precursor of neurodegenerative conditions. There is growing evidence that poor sleep leads to acceleration in the progression of the neurodegenerative disorder and may play a role in pathogenesis.