sleep disorders in adults - NICE guidance - suspected neurological conditions - recognition and referral
Last edited 05/2019
Sleep disorders in adults
Summary points from NICE guidance relating to sleep disorders in adults are:
Insomnia
Offer advice on sleep hygiene to adults with insomnia.
- do not routinely refer adults with insomnia, jerks on falling asleep or isolated brief episodes of sleep paralysis
Symptoms that suggest new-onset epileptic seizures
- refer urgently adults with symptoms suggestive of new-onset epileptic seizures in sleep for neurological assessment
Excessive sleepiness and narcolepsy
For adults with excessive sleepiness:
- use the Epworth score together with history of obstructive symptoms in sleep to assess the likelihood of sleep apnoea
- refer in accordance with local policy
- if appropriate, offer advice on weight reduction, alcohol consumption and smoking cessation
Refer adults with narcolepsy, with or without cataplexy, for neurological assessment
Sleep behaviour disorders
- consider referring adults with persistent symptoms suggestive of sleep behaviour disorders (such as agitated or violent movements that are more complex than a simple jerking motion) for neurological assessment.
Reference:
obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)