In a previous study, the sleep pattern in Parkinson's disease patients was found to be altered. The disturbance consisted of a "light fragmented sleep pattern" with increased muscle activity. Using a combined polysomnographic and electromyographic recording technique, we found that a reversal of the light fragmented sleep pattern and normalization of muscle activity during sleep occurred after clinical improvement with dopaminergic treatment. The effect of dopaminergic treatment on sleep disturbance was analyzed. There is an intimate relationship between sleep pattern and the normalization of sleep muscle activity produced by dopaminergic agents.

The present article is meant to suggest an approach to the guidelines for the therapy of sleep disturbances in Parkinson's Disease (PD) patients.The factors affecting the quality of life in PD patients are depression, sleep disturbances and dependence. A large review of the literature on sleep disturbances in PD patients, provided the basis for the following classification of the sleep-arousal disturbances in PD patients. We suggest a model based on 3 steps in the treatment of sleep disturbances in PD patients. This model allowing the patient, the spouse or the caregiver a quiet sleep at night, may postpone the retirement and the institutionalization of the PD patient. I. Correct diagnosis of sleep disorders based on detailed anamnesis of the patient and of the spouse or of the caregiver. One week recording on a symptom diary (log) by the patient or the caregiver. Correct diagnosis of sleep disorders co morbidities. Selection of the most appropriate sleep test among: polysomnography (PSG), multiple sleep latency test (MSLT), multiple wake latency test (MWLT), Epworth Sleepiness Scale, actigraphy or video-PSG. II. The nonspecific therapeutic approach consists in: a) Checking the sleep effect on motor performance, is it beneficial, worse or neutral. b) Psycho-physical assistance. c) Dopaminergic adjustment is necessary owing to the progression of the nigrostriatal degeneration and the increased sensitivity of the terminals, which alter the normal modulator mechanisms of the motor centers in PD patients. Among the many neurotransmitters of the nigro-striatal pathway one can distinguish two with a major influence on REM and NonREM sleep. REM sleep corresponds to an increased cholinergic receptor activity and a decreased dopaminergic activity. This is the reason why REM sleep deprivation by suppressing cholinergic receptor activity ameliorates PD motor symptoms. L-Dopa and its agonists by suppressing cholinergic receptors suppress REM sleep. The permanent adjustment according to the progression of the degenerative process of the disease will diminishe aggravation. The following types of sleep-arousal disturbances have to be considered in PD patients: - Sleep Disturbances, Light Fragmented Sleep (LFS), Abnormal Motor Activity During Sleep (AMADS), REM Behavior Disorders (RBD), Sleep Related Breathing Disorders (SRBD), Sleep Related Hallucinations (SRH), Sleep Related Psychotic Behavior (SRPB). - Arousal Disturbances, Sleep Attacks (SA), Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS), Each syndrome has to receive a score according to its severity. III. The specific therapy consists in: LFS: Benzodiazepines & Nondiazepines. AMADS: Clonazepam, Opioid, Apomorphine infusion; RBD: Clonazepam and dopaminergic agonists; SRBD: CPAP, UPPP, nasal interventions, losing weight; SRH: Clozapine, Risperidone; SRPD: Nortriptyline, Clozapine, Olanzepine; SA-adjustment; EDS-arousing drugs. Each therapeutic approach must be tailored to the individual PD patient.

Every new empiric observation made over two millenia fueled the dispute as to whether hiccup (Hc) is a digestive or a respiratory reflex. A review of the literature, focusing attention on the probable mechanism of Hc, shows Hc as a neurogenic dysfunction of the ‘valve function’ between the inspiratory complex and the glottis closure complex.

The present study is the first to prove the presence of hiccup during sleep polygraphically. Hiccup (Hc) penetrates all sleep stages; in REM sleep, it becomes randomized. The amplitude and frequency of sleep Hc have stage-dependent characteristics, and a linear regression appears with every sleep cycle. Sleep Hc may alternate, but does not coexist with, periodic leg movements. Related to inspiration, sleep Hc presents a right deviation when compared with wake Hc. The sleep pattern in persistent sleep Hc is disturbed in a nonspecific manner. Sleep Hc is not associated with sleep apnea. Sleep synchronizes the breathing rate with the hiccupping rate. During light sleep, the Hc rate exceeds the breathing rate, whereas during deep sleep, the breathing rate exceeds the Hc rate.

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