Sleep in patients with neurologic and psychiatric disorders

Given the widely recognized association between many neurologic and psychiatric disorders and significant sleep disturbances, the International Classification of Sleep Disorders Diagnostic and Coding Manual recognizes "Sleep Disorders Associated with Mental, Neurologic, or Other Medical Disorders" as one of four major classification categories. Such sleep disturbances may exacerbate symptoms of the underlying neurologic or psychiatric disorder or produce further adverse medical, behavioral, or psychosocial consequences. Therefore, adequate assessment and recognition of sleep disturbances in these populations is essential. This article includes a summary of neurologic systems influencing sleep that may be affected by neurologic and psychiatric disorders, followed by a brief review of sleep disturbances associated with many common neurologic and psychiatric disorders.