Sleep-disordered breathing in patients with end-stage renal disease and long-term dialysis

Background It is proven that in patients with endstage renal disease (ESRD) the prevalence of sleep disorders (insomnia, periodic leg movement and sleep apnea) is high. This fact may contribute to an impaired quality of life and to an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. However, only few published data are available with regard to sleepdisordered breathing in long-term hemodialysed patients.