Sleep disturbances in chronic liver disease.

Abstract

Sleep disturbances are common in chronic liver disease and significantly impact patient outcomes and quality of life. The severity and nature of sleep disturbances vary by liver disease etiology and severity. While there is ongoing research into the association between liver disease and sleep-wake dysfunction, the underlying pathophysiology varies and, in many cases, is poorly understood. Liver disease is associated with alterations in thermoregulation, inflammation, and physical activity, and is associated with disease specific complications, such as hepatic encephalopathy, that may directly affect sleep. In this article, we review the relevant pathophysiologic processes, disease-specific sleep-wake disturbances, and clinical management of CLD associated sleep-wake distrabances.