History of Sleep Disorders in Chronic Kidney Disease: First Approach

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Sleep Medicine
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Sleep disturbances are prevalent in the general population and significantly impact renal function.
• Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with various sleep disorders, including insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and periodic limb movements.
• These sleep issues manifest early in CKD and are nearly universal in patients undergoing dialysis or kidney transplantation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the historical progression and current understanding of sleep disorders in patients with chronic kidney disease.
• To analyze the impact of sleep disturbances on CKD progression, patient outcomes, and quality of life.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review of studies on sleep disorders in chronic kidney disease from 1959 to the present.
• Analysis of data concerning the prevalence, symptoms, and consequences of sleep disturbances in CKD patients.

Main Results:

• Sleep disturbances are a significant comorbidity in CKD, affecting the majority of patients.
• Common sleep disorders in CKD include insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and periodic limb movements.
• These sleep disturbances contribute to fatigue, daytime sleepiness, impaired function, reduced quality of life, and increased morbidity and mortality.

Conclusions:

• Sleep disorders are a major challenge in managing chronic kidney disease, affecting most patients.
• Current therapeutic options, including pharmacological treatments and kidney transplantation, do not fully resolve sleep disturbances.
• Interventions such as longer nocturnal hemodialysis and continuous positive airway pressure for sleep apnea show potential benefits.