[Characterization of sleep disturbance in patients with tinnitus].

BACKGROUND

Approximately 60 % of patients with tinnitus experience disturbances of the normal sleep pattern.

METHODS

Polysomnography was performed on 26 patients with tinnitus and sleep disturbances.

RESULTS

In 17 of 26 patients polysomnography revealed a pathological sleep analysis: 10 patients were diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, 4 with insomnia and an increased index of arousals as well as a reduction of deep sleep- and REM-phases. Pathological movements of the legs were seen in 3 cases. Six of 9 patients with a normal sleep during the whole night displayed a prolonged latency period until falling asleep.

CONCLUSIONS

Many studies show that sleep disturbances are a factor that strongly predicts decreased tolerance to tinnitus. This and the findings of this study implicate, that somnographic workup is helpful in patients with tinnitus in order to integrate adequate therapy of the sleep disturbance in the concept of tinnitus therapy and to avoid adaptive difficulties to tinnitus.