Sleep and the partner
Sleep disorders may affect the bed partner, family, friends, carers and even neighbours in addition to the patient. The partner may become concerned because of the implications of the sleep disorder, especially when the patient stops breathing, as in obstructive and central sleep apnoeas and Cheyne– Stokes respiration, appears to choke and makes sudden vigorous movements, as with epilepsy and REM sleep behaviour disorder, and if there is a possibility of injury while sleep walking. Snoring and abnormal movements during sleep due to, for instance, the restless legs and periodic limb move-ments may fragment the partner’s sleep and cause (more…)
