Abstract
Objective: The main goal of the present research is to describe the electroencephalographic activity during sleep and the cyclic alternating pattern (CAP) on idiopathic insomniac patients. Methods: 22 idiopathic insomnia patients were included. Sleep recording included: fully conventional EEG recording (32 electrodes, with 16 channels getting ipsilateral bipolar recordings), EOG, EMG, EKG, thoracic and abdominal respiratory movements, nasal flow and oximetry. Results: Out of the 22 registered patients, 10 (45%) showed no electroencephalographic alteration, while 12 (55%) exhibited an electroencephalographic alteration (irritative activity). Concerning PSG variables, significant differences between groups (no EEG alteration and EEG alterations) were detected in: sleep latency, total sleep time, total wake time, sleep efficiency, light sleep percentage, slow waves sleep percentage and on the sub type A1 index of the cyclic alternant pattern CAP. Conclusions: The present data strongly suggest that within the population diagnosed with idiopathic insomnia, there is a subgroup in which the electroencephalographic alterations may play a critical role as the source of the sleep abnormality.
Highlights
Insomnia is the inability to initiate or maintain, as much as the subjective impression of not having a restorative sleep [1]
The present data strongly suggest that within the population diagnosed with idiopathic insomnia, there is a subgroup in which the electroencephalographic alterations may play a critical role as the source of the sleep abnormality
As a result of this evaluation, another sleep disorder or another medical condition is detected and it is found as the cause of the insomnia, this disorder is defined by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in the DSM-IV, as secondary insomnia
Summary
Insomnia is the inability to initiate or maintain, as much as the subjective impression of not having a restorative sleep [1] This debilitating medical condition affects negatively the patients’ daily performance. The idiopathic insomnia is characterized by its long time-span; frequently the idiopathic insomnia patients complain about sleeping poorly “all the time”; and to have some exacerbation and remission periods. As above mentioned, this type of insomnia must not be related to another illness that could be causing the insomnia; it must not be either related to pharmacologic treatment or drug misuse [1]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
