"The sleep specialist is not finished when he diagnoses and treats OSA or insomnia," said Dr. Risk. "A multidisciplinary assessment and treatment program may be necessary in order to isolate additional comorbidities that are causing persistent impairment."

Study results also showed a high degree of attention deficit in non-OSA patients with insomnia or a lack of deep, restorative sleep. Test results indicated that 28 patients suffered from neuromuscular disorders and mood and anxiety disorders. Ten patients suffered from primary neuromuscular disorders, such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, or multiple sclerosis; 14 patients suffered from a primary psychological disorder, such as depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety; and four of the patients on CPAP, whose ASRS was still impaired, were affected by depression or fatigue.

"Patients with sleep disorders, who are not assessed for additional conditions, may continue to suffer from significant health problems," said Paul A. Kvale, MD, FCCP, President of the American College of Chest Physicians. "When seeing a specialist about a sleep disorder, patients should inform their health-care provider of any related conditions that could be contributing to their sleeping difficulties."

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Contact: Jennifer Stawarz
jstawarz@chestnet.org
847-498-8306
American College of Chest Physicians
25-Oct-2004