[Sleep disorders in several pathologic states--endocrine diseases]

Abstract

The mechanisms and pathophysiology of sleep disturbances in patients with endocrine diseases are reviewed. Abnormalities in sleep regulations were demonstrated in patients with thyrotoxicosis and hypothyroidism in a use of electroencephalogram during sleep. Mental disorders are one of the causes of sleep disturbance, for example insomnia due to depression in Cushing's syndrome. Metabolic abnormalities such as hyponatremia and hypoglycemia due to adrenal insufficiency could also contribute to sleep disturbance. Obstructive, central and mixed types of sleep apnea syndrome are known to occur in hypothyroidism, acromegaly and diabetic neuropathy with autonomic dysfunction. Thus, multiple factors are involved in sleep disturbance in patients with endocrine disorders.