Sleep disorders

A number of sleep disorders are of significant importance for the neurologist. Neurologists should be aware and should play a major role for the evaluation and treatment of patients with sleep disorders. Examples include insomnias, sleep related breathing disorders, hypersomnias like narcolepsy with cataplexy, circadian rythm disorders, sleep related movement disorders (e.g. restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movements) and several parasomnias (e.g. REM behaviour disorder, arousal and seizure disorders). There is significant progress in the understanding of sleep-wake mechanism, the influence of sleep on health and disease, diagnostic and treatment modalities.

The aim of the EFNS sleep medicine panel is to increase awareness of sleep related disorders in relation to neurology. This is accomplished by

1. Coordinating sleep medicine research, diagnostic and treatment guidelines
2. Arrange courses, focused workshops and main topics dedicated to sleep medicine
3. Stimulating research activities

Moreover tight collaboration is being established with the European Sleep Research Society.

Annual Report 2009/201

EFNS Guidelines are currently under revision/been submitted to publication for 2010:

- Insomnia in neurological diseases
- Restless legs syndrome - periodic limb movements
- Management of sleep disorders in neurodegenerative diseases and stroke
- Narcolepsy

Future plans:

Focused workshops and courses are being planned for the EFNS Congress in Geneva 2010 and future congresses. Future guidelines regarding sleep medicine are actually being evaluated.