Abstract

Patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) frequently complain of insomnia and poor sleep quality. Some studies report changes in sleep self-reports and in several polysomnography parameters. These studies suggest that patients with AN and concomitant sleep disturbances have a poorer quality of life, are more predisposed to the appearance of comorbidities and have a poor prognosis of AN. The presence of sleep problems appears to influence the course and prognosis of AN. This article intends to briefly discuss the possible impact of sleep disturbances in AN and describe potential pathophysiological mechanisms involved.

Key words: Eating disorders; polysomnography; insomnia