Sleep disorders in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

Sleep complaints, habits, and medical history were surveyed in 81 patients chronically receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. Seventy-three percent of the sample reported insomnia, and 52% reported unintentional napping during the day. Behavioral factors (such as caffeine or alcohol use) or the severity of concurrent medical disease did not account for the sleep problems. Eighteen of these patients subsequently underwent polysomnography and objective measurement of daytime sleepiness. Clinically significant sleep apnea syndrome was present in 11. The presence of sleep apnea was associated with increased levels of psychological distress and daytime sleepiness. Periodic leg movements during sleep were also frequently observed but had minimal effect on sleep quality. Implications of these findings for clinical practice are discussed.