Patients with interstitial lung disease commonly exhibit abnormal sleep architecture and increased sleep fragmentation on polysomnography. Fatigue is a frequent complaint, and it is likely that poor sleep quality is a significant contributor. A number of studies have shown that sleep disordered breathing is prevalent in this population, particularly in the idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis subgroup. Sleep fragmentation, arousals, and Stage N1 sleep are all increased in patients with ILD. Sleep disordered breathing, in the form of nocturnal hypoxia and obstructive sleep apnea, is common in these patients as well. These sleep disorders are associated with indices of poor quality of life and excessive daytime sleepiness, and may be targets of therapy for the overall management of patients with ILD. The aim of the present review is to summarize what is currently known about sleep and sleep disordered breathing in patients with ILD.

Interstitial lung disease, Sleep disordered breathing, Nocturnal hypoxemia, Obstructive sleep apnea.