Sleep disorders and respiratory function in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

SummarySleep disorders in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) present a significant challenge to the management of patients. Issues include the maintenance of adequate ventilatory status through techniques such as non-invasive ventilation, which has the ability to modulate survival and improve patient quality of life. Here, a multidisciplinary approach to the management of these disorders is reviewed, from concepts about the underlying neurobiological basis, through to current management approaches and future directions for research.