Clinical Other

Sleep Disorders

Sleep Disorders

What Do You Need to Know?

  • N2 dominates sleep (45–55%); K-complexes + sleep spindles are the defining features
  • Narcolepsy Type 1: CSF hypocretin-1 ≤110 pg/mL is diagnostic; autoimmune loss of orexin neurons; HLA-DQB1*06:02 in >98%
  • MSLT: mean sleep latency ≤8 min + ≥2 SOREMPs; must stop REM-suppressing meds ≥2 weeks before
  • RBD: strongest prodromal marker for alpha-synucleinopathy — >80% convert to PD/DLB/MSA within 10–15 years
  • RLS: check ferritin in ALL patients; supplement if <75 ng/mL; alpha-2-delta ligands are first-line (not dopamine agonists — augmentation risk)
  • OSA: independent stroke risk factor; AHI ≥30 = severe; CPAP is first-line
  • Fatal familial insomnia: PRNP D178N-129M, thalamic degeneration, progressive insomnia → death
Normal Sleep Architecture

Sleep Stages

StageEEG PatternKey Features% Total Sleep
WakeAlpha (8–13 Hz, posterior) & Beta (>13 Hz)Eyes open = beta; eyes closed = alpha
N1Theta (4–7 Hz)Vertex sharp waves; easy to arouse5%
N2Theta backgroundK-complexes + sleep spindles (12–14 Hz)45–55%
N3 (SWS)Delta (≤2 Hz, ≥75 μV)Slow-wave sleep; ≥20% delta activity15–20%
REMLow-voltage mixed frequencySawtooth waves, muscle atonia, REMs20–25%

Sleep Cycle & Distribution

  • Sleep cycles last ~90 minutes, 4–6 cycles per night
  • N3 predominates early night (first 1–2 cycles); REM predominates late night (last 1–2 cycles)
  • REM periods lengthen across the night; N3 periods shorten

Sleep Regulation: Two-Process Model

ProcessMechanismKey Molecule/Structure
Process S (Homeostatic)Sleep pressure builds with wakingAdenosine accumulation (caffeine = adenosine antagonist)
Process C (Circadian)~24-hour internal clockSCN → pineal gland → melatonin

Key Neurotransmitters

FunctionNeurotransmittersSource
Wake-promotingOrexin/hypocretinLateral hypothalamus
HistamineTuberomammillary nucleus (TMN)
NorepinephrineLocus coeruleus (LC)
SerotoninDorsal raphe
AcetylcholineBasal forebrain, PPT/LDT
DopamineVTA, vPAG
Sleep-promotingGABA, galaninVLPO (ventrolateral preoptic area)

REM Switch

REM-OnREM-Off
Cholinergic — PPT/LDT (pedunculopontine/laterodorsal tegmentum)Noradrenergic — locus coeruleus
Glutamatergic — sublaterodorsal nucleus (SLD)Serotonergic — dorsal raphe
💎 Board Pearl
  • K-complexes + sleep spindles = N2 — the most common sleep-staging question on boards
  • Sawtooth waves are specific to REM; vertex sharp waves = N1
  • VLPO is the “sleep switch” — lesions cause insomnia (flip-flop model with orexin stabilization)
Narcolepsy

Type 1 vs Type 2

FeatureNarcolepsy Type 1Narcolepsy Type 2
CataplexyPresent (pathognomonic)Absent
CSF hypocretin-1≤110 pg/mL (or <1/3 normal)Normal (>110 pg/mL)
HLA-DQB1*06:02>98%~50%
MSLT≤8 min + ≥2 SOREMPs≤8 min + ≥2 SOREMPs
PathophysiologyAutoimmune loss of orexin neurons (lateral hypothalamus)Unknown; partial orexin deficiency?
PrognosisLifelong; does not remitMay remit or evolve to Type 1

Classic Pentad (Type 1)

  • Excessive daytime sleepiness — most common and earliest symptom (100%)
  • Cataplexy — sudden loss of muscle tone triggered by emotion (especially laughter); consciousness preserved
  • Hypnagogic/hypnopompic hallucinations — vivid, dream-like imagery at sleep onset/offset
  • Sleep paralysis — inability to move at sleep-wake transitions
  • Disrupted nocturnal sleep — frequent awakenings

Diagnosis

  • CSF hypocretin-1 ≤110 pg/mL: diagnostic for Type 1 regardless of MSLT result (most specific test)
  • MSLT criteria: mean sleep latency ≤8 min + ≥2 SOREMPs
  • A SOREMP on preceding nocturnal PSG counts as one of the required 2
  • Must stop REM-suppressing medications (SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs) ≥2 weeks prior
  • HLA-DQB1*06:02 is sensitive but NOT specific (25% of general population positive) — not used for diagnosis

Treatment

TargetMedicationsNotes
EDSModafinil/armodafinilFirst-line; dopamine reuptake inhibitor
SolriamfetolDual dopamine/NE reuptake inhibitor
PitolisantH3 receptor inverse agonist (promotes histamine release)
Methylphenidate, amphetaminesTraditional stimulants; second-line
CataplexySodium oxybate (Xyrem)Also improves EDS + nocturnal sleep; given at bedtime + 2.5–4 h later
Venlafaxine / other SNRIsREM-suppressing; off-label for cataplexy
TCAs (clomipramine)Anticholinergic side effects limit use
Both EDS + cataplexySodium oxybateOnly medication treating both; Schedule III controlled
Low-sodium oxybate (Xywav)Same efficacy, less sodium
💎 Board Pearl
  • Low CSF hypocretin-1 (≤110 pg/mL) is the most specific test for narcolepsy Type 1 — diagnostic even without MSLT
  • Sodium oxybate is the only drug treating both EDS and cataplexy
  • Cataplexy triggered by laughter in a young patient = narcolepsy Type 1 until proven otherwise
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Severity Classification

SeverityAHI (events/hour)
Mild5–14
Moderate15–29
Severe≥30

Definitions

  • Apnea: ≥90% reduction in airflow for ≥10 seconds
  • Hypopnea: ≥30% reduction in airflow for ≥10 seconds + ≥3% desaturation or arousal
  • AHI: apneas + hypopneas per hour of sleep
  • RDI: AHI + RERAs (respiratory effort-related arousals)

Diagnosis

TestIndicationChannels
In-lab PSG (Type I)Gold standard; complex cases, comorbiditiesFull montage (EEG, EMG, ECG, airflow, effort, SpO2)
Home sleep test (Type III)Uncomplicated, high pretest probability OSAAirflow, effort, SpO2 (no EEG — underestimates AHI)

Neurologic Consequences

  • Stroke: OSA is an independent risk factor; screen all stroke/TIA patients
  • Cognitive impairment: attention, memory, executive dysfunction (reversible with CPAP)
  • Morning headache — due to nocturnal hypoxemia/hypercapnia
  • Refractory hypertension — #1 identifiable cause of resistant HTN
  • Nocturia, depression, impotence

Treatment

InterventionIndicationNotes
CPAPFirst-line for all severitiesMost effective; compliance is limiting factor
Weight lossAll overweight/obeseMay cure mild OSA; adjunctive for moderate-severe
Oral appliance (MAD)Mild–moderate; CPAP-intolerantMandibular advancement device
Positional therapyPositional OSA (supine-predominant)Tennis ball technique; positional devices
Hypoglossal nerve stimulatorModerate–severe; CPAP failureInspire device; contraindicated with concentric collapse
UPPP surgeryAnatomic obstructionVariable success; last resort

Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)

TypeAssociationPattern
Cheyne-StokesHeart failure, strokeCrescendo-decrescendo pattern with central apneas
Opioid-inducedChronic opioid useAtaxic/irregular breathing; dose-dependent
High-altitude>2,500 m elevationPeriodic breathing; acetazolamide for prevention
Treatment-emergent (complex)Appears with CPAP initiationCentral apneas emerge on CPAP; treat with ASV
⚠ Warning
ASV (adaptive servo-ventilation) is contraindicated in heart failure with EF ≤45% — increased mortality (SERVE-HF trial).
💎 Board Pearl
  • OSA is an independent risk factor for stroke — screen in all stroke patients
  • Home sleep tests underestimate AHI (no EEG to detect arousals; total recording time used as denominator)
Parasomnias — NREM

Disorders of Arousal (From N3/Slow-Wave Sleep)

DisorderFeaturesMemory of Event
SleepwalkingComplex ambulatory behavior; eyes open, unresponsive; can be violentAmnesia
Sleep terrorsSudden screaming, autonomic surge (tachycardia, diaphoresis), sitting upAmnesia
Confusional arousalsDisorientation, slow speech, inappropriate behavior in bedAmnesia

Key Characteristics

  • Timing: first third of night (when N3 predominates)
  • Eyes: open but unaware; difficult to arouse
  • Amnesia: complete for the event
  • Age: common in children; usually outgrown by adolescence

Triggers

  • Sleep deprivation, alcohol, fever, stress
  • Medications: zolpidem (especially associated), lithium, anticholinergics
  • Conditions increasing N3: sleep deprivation, recovery sleep, OSA (forced arousals from SWS)

Sleep-Related Eating Disorder (SRED)

  • Eating during partial arousals from N3; often unusual/inedible foods
  • Strongly associated with zolpidem
  • Differs from Night Eating Syndrome (NES) — NES involves full consciousness

NREM Parasomnias vs REM Parasomnias

FeatureNREM ParasomniasREM Parasomnias (RBD)
TimingFirst third of nightLast third of night
EyesOpenClosed
RecallAmnesiaVivid dream recall
BehaviorSemi-purposeful; ambulatoryDream enactment; violent/defensive
AgeChildren > adultsOlder males (>50)
NeurodegenerationNot associated>80% convert to synucleinopathy

Treatment

  • Reassurance + safety measures (remove hazards, lock doors/windows)
  • Treat underlying triggers (OSA, sleep deprivation, offending medications)
  • If persistent/dangerous: clonazepam (low-dose) or melatonin
💎 Board Pearl
  • Sleep terrors = no recall, first third of night; nightmares = full recall, latter third of night — classic board distinction
  • Zolpidem is the #1 medication association for both sleepwalking and SRED
Parasomnias — REM

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD)

FeatureDetails
MechanismLoss of normal REM atonia → dream enactment
PSG findingREM without atonia (RSWA) on chin/limb EMG
DemographicsOlder males (>50 years)
BehaviorPunching, kicking, yelling; often violent/defensive — eyes closed
Dream recallVivid dreams correlating with observed behavior
TimingLatter half of night (REM-predominant)
InjuryPatient and/or bed partner; common presentation

RBD & Neurodegeneration

  • >80% convert to Parkinson disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, or MSA within 10–15 years
  • RBD is the strongest prodromal marker for alpha-synucleinopathy
  • Isolated/idiopathic RBD should prompt longitudinal follow-up for neurodegeneration
  • Can also be caused by medications: SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, beta-blockers

RBD Treatment

TreatmentNotes
MelatoninFirst-line; fewer side effects; 3–12 mg at bedtime
ClonazepamEffective (0.25–2 mg); fall risk in elderly, OSA worsening
Bedroom safetyRemove sharp objects; pad floor; separate beds if needed

Other REM Parasomnias

DisorderFeaturesKey Distinction
Nightmare disorderFrightening dreams, latter half of night, full recall, awakens from REMFull recall (vs sleep terrors = no recall)
Isolated sleep paralysisTemporary inability to move at sleep-wake transitions; consciousness preservedCan be normal; frequent episodes suggest narcolepsy
Recurrent isolated sleep paralysisRepeated episodes without narcolepsy featuresBenign; reassurance
💎 Board Pearl
  • RBD + parkinsonism → think DLB or PD; RBD + cerebellar ataxia + autonomic failure → MSA
  • SSRIs/SNRIs can cause or unmask RBD — important medication history question
  • PSG showing REM without atonia is required for definitive RBD diagnosis
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) & PLMD

RLS Diagnostic Criteria (All 5 Required)

  • 1. Urge to move the legs, usually accompanied by uncomfortable sensations
  • 2. Symptoms begin or worsen during rest/inactivity
  • 3. Symptoms partially or totally relieved by movement
  • 4. Symptoms occur exclusively or predominantly in the evening/night
  • 5. Not solely accounted for by another medical/behavioral condition

Secondary Causes & Mimics

CauseDetails
Iron deficiencyMost important; ferritin <75 ng/mL warrants supplementation
PregnancyThird trimester; usually resolves postpartum
ESRD/uremiaUp to 30% of dialysis patients
Peripheral neuropathySmall fiber neuropathy can mimic/coexist
Medications that worsenAntihistamines, SSRIs, SNRIs, dopamine blockers (metoclopramide, antipsychotics)

Treatment

LineTreatmentNotes
All patientsIron supplementationIf ferritin <75 ng/mL; target >100; IV iron if oral fails or ferritin <30
First-lineAlpha-2-delta ligands (gabapentin, pregabalin)No augmentation risk; also helps comorbid pain/insomnia
Second-lineDopamine agonists (pramipexole, ropinirole, rotigotine patch)Risk of augmentation; use lowest effective dose
RefractoryLow-dose opioids (oxycodone, methadone)Severe, treatment-resistant cases

Augmentation

  • Definition: paradoxical worsening of RLS symptoms with dopamine agonist treatment
  • Features: earlier symptom onset, shorter latency to symptoms at rest, spread to upper extremities/trunk, increased severity
  • Most important complication of dopaminergic therapy — reason alpha-2-delta ligands are now first-line
  • Management: discontinue dopamine agonist (gradually), switch to alpha-2-delta ligand, supplement iron

Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD)

  • Periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMS) on PSG: stereotyped, repetitive leg movements (toe dorsiflexion + knee/hip flexion) every 20–40 seconds
  • PLM index >15/hr on PSG = significant
  • PLMD diagnosis requires: elevated PLM index + clinical sleep disturbance + no other explanation
  • Common in RLS (>80%) but PLMS alone is not RLS
  • Treat only if causing sleep disruption or daytime symptoms
💎 Board Pearl
  • Check ferritin in ALL RLS patients; supplement if <75 ng/mL — even if hemoglobin is normal
  • Alpha-2-delta ligands (gabapentin/pregabalin) are now first-line over dopamine agonists to avoid augmentation
  • Augmentation = worsening RLS on dopamine agonist — earlier onset, spread to arms, increased intensity
Circadian Rhythm Disorders

Types

DisorderPopulationPatternTreatment
Delayed sleep-wake phaseTeenagers/young adultsSleep/wake delayed ≥2 hours; “night owl”Evening melatonin + morning bright light
Advanced sleep-wake phaseElderlyEarly evening sleepiness, early morning awakeningEvening bright light; avoid morning melatonin
Non-24-hour sleep-wakeTotally blindFree-running rhythm (>24 h); progressively drifting sleepTasimelteon (melatonin agonist)
Shift work disorderNight/rotating shift workersInsomnia + EDS during required wake timesStrategic light exposure, melatonin, modafinil
Jet lagTravelers crossing ≥2 time zonesTransient; eastward travel worse (phase advance harder)Timed light + melatonin; self-limited
Irregular sleep-wakeDementia, brain injuryNo clear circadian pattern; fragmented sleepStructured light exposure + activity

Circadian Physiology

  • SCN (suprachiasmatic nucleus): master circadian pacemaker in anterior hypothalamus
  • Light entrainment: retina → melanopsin-containing retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) → retinohypothalamic tract → SCN
  • Melatonin: SCN → superior cervical ganglion → pineal gland → melatonin secretion (darkness promotes release)
  • DLMO (dim light melatonin onset): most reliable circadian phase marker; typically ~2 hours before habitual sleep onset
  • Endogenous period: ~24.2 hours (slightly longer than 24 h) — requires daily light entrainment

Melatonin Timing Principles

GoalMelatonin TimingLight Timing
Phase advance (sleep earlier)Evening (5–7 PM, before DLMO)Morning bright light
Phase delay (sleep later)Morning (avoid)Evening bright light
💎 Board Pearl
  • Non-24-hour disorder is almost exclusively in the totally blind (no light entrainment) — treat with tasimelteon
  • Delayed sleep-wake phase is the most common circadian rhythm disorder — think teenager who can’t fall asleep before 2 AM
  • Light is the strongest zeitgeber (time-giver); melanopsin RGCs are the key photoreceptors
Sleep-Related Movement Disorders & Other

Overview

DisorderFeaturesManagement
BruxismTeeth grinding/clenching during sleep; jaw pain, tooth wear, headacheDental guard; treat OSA if comorbid; stress management
Sleep-related leg crampsPainful involuntary contraction, usually calf; common in elderlyStretching, hydration; quinine no longer recommended (cardiac risk)
Rhythmic movement disorderHead banging (jactatio capitis), body rocking; onset of sleepUsually children; self-limited; protective measures
Propriospinal myoclonusInvoluntary axial jerks at sleep onset; can mimic epilepsyClonazepam; rule out spinal cord lesion
Hypnic jerks (sleep starts)Single sudden jerk at sleep onset, often with falling sensationNormal & benign; reassurance; reduce caffeine
Exploding head syndromeLoud perceived noise/flash at sleep onset; painless, frighteningBenign; reassurance

Kleine-Levin Syndrome

FeatureDetails
TriadRecurrent hypersomnia + hyperphagia + hypersexuality/behavioral changes
DemographicsAdolescent males predominantly
EpisodesDays to weeks; normal between episodes
HLA associationHLA-DQB1*02
CourseSelf-limited; episodes decrease over years
TreatmentLithium (may reduce episode frequency); stimulants for acute EDS
Clinical Pearl
Hypnic jerks are normal phenomena occurring in up to 70% of people — do not order EEG or workup. Propriospinal myoclonus, however, may mimic seizures and requires differentiation with video-PSG.
Sleep & Neurologic Disease

Epilepsy & Sleep

ConceptDetails
Sleep activationInterictal discharges increase in N1/N2; frontal lobe seizures often sleep-related
Sleep deprivationLowers seizure threshold; used as activation in EEG
AED effectsCarbamazepine/phenytoin ↑ N3; valproate ↑ N1; levetiracetam has minimal effect
Seizure timingFrontal: sleep > wake; temporal: wake > sleep; JME: upon awakening

Sleep-Related Hypermotor Epilepsy (SHE)

  • Formerly nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (NFLE)
  • Genetics: CHRNA4, CHRNB2 (nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunits) — autosomal dominant
  • Features: stereotyped hypermotor events from N2 sleep; brief (10–60 sec), multiple per night
  • Differentiation from NREM parasomnia: SHE = stereotyped, brief, multiple/night, frontal semiology; parasomnias = variable, prolonged, usually 1/night

Sleep Disorders in Neurologic Disease

DiseaseSleep Manifestations
Parkinson diseaseRBD (prodromal, >80% convert), EDS, sleep fragmentation, RLS, vivid dreams
DLBRBD (core feature), visual hallucinations, EDS
MSARBD, stridor (vocal cord abductor paralysis — can be fatal), central/obstructive apnea
StrokeOSA (↑ stroke risk), central apnea (post-brainstem stroke), insomnia, hypersomnia
Alzheimer diseaseSundowning, circadian disruption, OSA, ↓ SWS
EpilepsySleep activation of seizures, sleep fragmentation, AED effects on architecture
HeadacheCluster = REM-related; hypnic headache = awakens from sleep (elderly)

Fatal Familial Insomnia (FFI)

FeatureDetails
GeneticsPRNP D178N-129M (prion protein mutation)
PathologyThalamic neuronal loss (mediodorsal + anterior nuclei)
PresentationProgressive insomnia → autonomic dysfunction (hyperhidrosis, tachycardia, hypertension) → motor signs → death
PSGMarkedly reduced or absent sleep spindles and SWS
CourseFatal; mean survival 18 months

Morvan Syndrome

  • Antibody: anti-CASPR2 (contactin-associated protein-like 2)
  • Tetrad: insomnia (severe/agrypnia) + neuromyotonia (peripheral nerve hyperexcitability) + autonomic dysfunction + encephalopathy
  • May be paraneoplastic (thymoma)
  • Treatment: immunotherapy (IVIg, PLEX, steroids) + thymectomy if thymoma present
💎 Board Pearl
  • FFI = PRNP D178N-129M; thalamic degeneration; progressive insomnia + autonomic failure → death
  • MSA stridor (vocal cord abductor paralysis) can cause sudden death during sleep
  • SHE (CHRNA4/CHRNB2) vs NREM parasomnia: SHE events are stereotyped, brief, and multiple per night
Sleep Studies & Diagnostic Tools

Polysomnography (PSG) Channels

ChannelPurposeDetails
EEGSleep stagingFrontal (F3/F4), Central (C3/C4), Occipital (O1/O2); referenced to mastoids
EOGEye movementsE1, E2; detects REMs and slow rolling eye movements (N1)
Chin EMGMuscle toneREM atonia assessment; essential for RBD diagnosis
Leg EMGLimb movementsBilateral anterior tibialis; PLMs
AirflowApnea/hypopnea detectionOronasal thermistor (apnea) + nasal pressure transducer (hypopnea)
Respiratory effortCentral vs obstructive differentiationThoracic + abdominal RIP belts
SpO2Oxygen desaturationPulse oximetry
ECGCardiac rhythmSingle-lead; arrhythmia detection
Body positionPositional OSASupine vs non-supine AHI comparison

MSLT (Multiple Sleep Latency Test)

ParameterDetails
ProtocolDay after overnight PSG; 4–5 nap opportunities at 2-hour intervals
Each nap20-minute opportunity; terminated at 20 min if no sleep or 15 min after sleep onset
MeasuresMean sleep latency + number of SOREMPs
NormalMean sleep latency ≥10 minutes
Narcolepsy criteriaMean sleep latency ≤8 min + ≥2 SOREMPs
PSG SOREMPA SOREMP within 15 min on preceding PSG counts as one of the required 2
Medication washoutStop SSRIs/SNRIs/TCAs ≥2 weeks before (suppress REM → false-negative SOREMPs)
Sleep requirementMust have ≥6 hours total sleep on preceding PSG

MWT (Maintenance of Wakefulness Test)

ParameterDetails
PurposeMeasures ability to stay awake (opposite of MSLT)
Protocol4 trials at 2-hour intervals; 40-minute duration each
UseFitness-for-duty assessments (pilots, commercial drivers)
NormalMean sleep latency ≥40 minutes (no sleep in any trial)
AbnormalMean sleep latency <8 minutes

Other Diagnostic Tools

ToolUseKey Points
ActigraphyCircadian rhythm disorders, insomniaWrist-worn accelerometer; measures rest-activity cycles over 1–2+ weeks
Sleep diaryComplement to actigraphy≥2 weeks; documents subjective sleep-wake patterns
CSF hypocretin-1Narcolepsy Type 1 diagnosis≤110 pg/mL = diagnostic; most specific test
HLA typingNarcolepsy associationDQB1*06:02 sensitive but not specific; not diagnostic alone
Epworth Sleepiness ScaleSubjective sleepinessSelf-reported; score >10 = excessive sleepiness; screening only
STOP-BANGOSA screeningSnoring, Tiredness, Observed apnea, Pressure (HTN), BMI, Age, Neck, Gender
💎 Board Pearl
  • MSLT requires stopping SSRIs/SNRIs/TCAs ≥2 weeks before — these suppress REM and cause false-negative SOREMPs
  • MSLT measures tendency to fall asleep; MWT measures ability to stay awake — different clinical questions
  • A SOREMP on preceding nocturnal PSG counts toward the 2 required for narcolepsy diagnosis