Why do patients sleep on dialysis?

Sleep-associated symptoms and excessive daytime sleepiness are felt to be more common in dialysis patients. Several surveys conducted in this patient population have identified a prevalence of sleep disturbances in up to 80% of patients. This review article summarizes common disorders associated with sleep disturbances in dialysis patients, including sleep-disordered breathing, restless legs syndrome, and major depression. Special attention is given to pathophysiological processes and effective approaches for the prevention and timely treatment of these conditions, which in turn reduces the substantial morbidity associated with sleep disturbances.