Disorders of sleep: an overview.

Only recently has the medical profession focused on the importance of sleep and health. There are increasing numbers of studies linking sleep disorders with neurobehavioral and cardiovascular morbidity and possibly mortality. Although sleep disorders are diverse and affect a substantial number of patients, they are often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed. Common presenting symptoms to physicians include hypersomnia and insomnia. A systematic workup helps to diagnose the underlying cause.