Sleep and degenerative neurologic disorders.

This article summarizes sleep disturbances in a variety of neuro-degenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Sleep complaints in these conditions include insomnia, hypersomnia, abnormal motor activity and behavior during sleep, sleep-related breathing problems, and circadian rhythm sleep disturbances. Clinical examination followed in selected cases by polysomnographic, multiple sleep latency, and other laboratory tests is essential for correct diagnosis and treatment of these sleep disturbances.