Sleep and HIV Disease

Abstract

Although not the fatal illness it once was, HIV/AIDS remains a life-threatening illness. The worldwide prevalence of HIV/AIDS at the end of 2010 was estimated to be 34 million, which includes 3.4 million children who are less than 15 years of age. The incidence of HIV infection decreased from 3.1 million in 2001 to 2.7 million in 2010. The annual number of deaths worldwide is steadily declining since peaking in 2005 at 2.2 million. With earlier diagnosis, more highly sophisticated monitoring of immune parameters, better antiretroviral therapy, improved recognition of viral mutations and drug resistance, and effective prophylaxis and treatments for opportunistic infections and malignancies, persons with HIV/AIDS (PWHA) are living longer and healthier lives, often many decades beyond their initial infection. While immune status and longevity have improved, PWHA experience many persistent and burdensome symptoms. Insomnia and fatigue are often reported as the most frequent and distressful symptoms associated with HIV/AIDS. Even so, insomnia is often underreported, under diagnosed, and under treated. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)