Sleep problems in spinal cord injury

Abstract

Sleep-disordered breathing, periodic leg movements, and circadian rhythm disorders are all direct consequences of spinal cord injuries. These highly prevalent disorders have not traditionally been a focus of research or care after spinal cord injury, with much of the signs and symptoms of these sleep disorders attributed to other causes such as medications, mood disorders, spasm, and general fatigue associated with spinal cord injury. Obstructive sleep apnea is a direct consequence of tetraplegia with over 80% affected. However, the upper airway muscles are innervated by the cranial nerves and as such should be protected from direct compromise after cervical cord injury. This chapter outline..