SLEEP DISORDERS AFTER STROKE: LITERATURE REVIEW
Abstract
Stroke can profoundly disrupt sleep patterns, leading to various sleep disorders that impact recovery and overall quality of life. This comprehensive review examines the major types of sleep disturbances observed in stroke patients, including insomnia, reduced sleep depth, restless legs syndrome (RLS), and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Insomnia is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings, and early morning awakenings, often resulting from physical discomfort, psychological stress, or medication side effects. Reduced sleep depth involves fragmented sleep with diminished phases of deep sleep, attributable to neurological damage affecting sleep regulation and increased sensitivity to external stimuli. Restless legs syndrome involves unpleasant sensations in the legs and an urge to move them, exacerbated by neurological damage and stress. Obstructive sleep apnea is marked by intermittent breathing interruptions due to airway obstruction, influenced by muscle weakness and psychological stress. Diagnostic approaches include polysomnography and actigraphy to assess sleep patterns, while treatment strategies encompass medication adjustments, cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), physical rehabilitation, and improved sleep hygiene. Understanding and addressing these sleep disturbances are critical for enhancing stroke patients' recovery and overall well-being.