Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Patients With Neuromuscular Disorders

Sleep-disordered breathing is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in individuals with neuromuscular disorders, significantly affecting quality of life. This article provides a comprehensive review of respiratory physiology in the context of neuromuscular disorders, highlights essential components of a sleep-focused clinical history, and outlines evidence-based strategies for the diagnosis and management of sleep-disordered breathing as neuromuscular conditions progress over time.

Sleep-disordered breathing testing can be accomplished in various settings to limit barriers to the identification of disease and treatment. Noninvasive ventilation technology has progressed to be more patient centric, with variable settings to ensure patient comfort and support.

Early identification and treatment of sleep-disordered breathing in patients with neuromuscular disease can significantly improve quality of life and represent a readily modifiable factor in patient care. Noninvasive ventilation should be tailored to the individual patient's needs and comfort, with ongoing monitoring and adjustments based on specific neuromuscular diagnosis and disease progression.