Neurological Sleep Disorders

Sleep plays a vital role in brain health. For many people living with neurological conditions, sleep problems are both common and disruptive. Poor sleep can worsen symptoms like pain, fatigue, memory issues and mood changes. 

Banner Health can help identify what is causing your sleep problems and create a care plan that supports your overall neurological health. 

How neurological conditions affect sleep 

Neurological disorders can change how the brain controls sleep, breathing and movement during the night. You may experience: 

• Trouble falling or staying asleep 
• Excessive daytime sleepiness 
• Restless legs or frequent movement at night 
• Loud snoring or gasping for air 
• Morning headaches 
• Difficulty focusing or remembering things 

Sleep issues are especially common for people with: 

• Parkinson’s disease 
• Multiple sclerosis 
• Epilepsy 
• Neuropathy 
• Brain injury 
• Stroke 

Common neurological sleep disorders 

You may have one or more sleep disorders linked to your neurological condition, including: 

• Insomnia related to brain signaling changes 
• Sleep apnea when breathing muscles relax too much during sleep 
• Restless legs syndrome causing sensations that make it hard to stay still 
• Narcolepsy or sudden overwhelming tiredness 
• REM sleep behavior disorder when you physically act out dreams 
• Parasomnias such as unusual movements or talking while sleeping 

These disorders can affect daily life but most are highly treatable with the right care. 

How neurological sleep disorders are diagnosed 

Your neurologist will start with a physical and neurological exam and ask questions about your sleep habits. If needed, they may recommend a neurological sleep study to monitor: 

• Brain activity 
• Breathing 
• Heart rhythm 
• Oxygen levels 
• Muscle movement 

This type of study helps pinpoint the cause of sleep changes and guides your treatment plan. 

Learn more about neurological sleep studies. 

Treatment and management 

Treatment depends on the condition and how it affects your daily life. Your personalized plan may include: 

• Medications that support sleep or reduce movements 
• Breathing support devices for sleep apnea 
• Therapy to improve sleep habits and routines 
• Pain and symptom management for your underlying condition 

The goal is better sleep and better control of your neurological symptoms. 

Learn more about neurological sleep treatment. 

When to see a specialist 

Talk to your doctor if sleep problems: 

• Interfere with work, school or personal activities 
• Make neurological symptoms harder to manage 
• Cause safety concerns like falling asleep during the day 
• Lead to mood or memory difficulties 

Early care can prevent symptoms from getting worse. 

We are here to help 

Banner Health offers coordinated care for neurological sleep disorders. We are here to support better sleep and protect your brain health so you can feel your best each day. 

Find a neurological sleep specialist near you.