[Features of the polygraphic picture of natural sleep in patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis].

The results of electropolygraphic examinations of 6 patients suffering from subacute sclerosing panencephalitis are presented. The polygraphic examination of sleep revealed a pronounced disorganization of the latter, the degree of which depended on the disease duration (the EEG of awakeness was abnormal, too). An importance of electromyographic changes (within the polygram) for differentiating the states of the sleep and awakeness is demonstrated. The sleep duration, the frequency of Radermaker's complexes, and the heartbeat rate were analyzed. An inverse relationship between the latter two parameters was revealed. A prognostic significance of somnological examinations is demonstrated: a particular importance in this respect is attached to the state of vegetative functions.