Muscles Cramp And Sleep Disturbances Among Hemodialysis Patients

Abstract

Muscle cramps are often experienced by the patients on hemodialysis that result in discomfort, shortened treatment times, and inadequate dialysis dose. Up to 50% people with chronic renal failure undergoing dialysis suffer from muscle cramps, especially involving the lower limbs. The cramps can happen during dialysis or at home. The cramps in this type of patient are linked to depression, a decline in quality of life, and sleep disorders. The etiology of cramps in hemodialysis patients is not clear. Muscle Cramping of the hands, feet, and legs is fairly common among patients on hemodialysis. Muscle Cramps are also associated with low bloodpressure. However, some Muscle cramping continues even after a normal bloodpressure. When patients are below dry weight, they also experience muscle cramps. The severe muscle cramps are experienced near the end of the dialysis and persisting for a time after dialysis is often due to dehydration. (1) The most frequent sleep disorders seen in patients on dialysis are conditioned insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, obstructive or central sleep apnea, as well as restless legs syndrome (RLS) and periodic limb movement disorder. Many uremic and non-uremic factors are thought to participate in the pathogenesis of sleep disorders in these patients. The treatment of sleeping disorders includes non-pharmacological and pharmacological measures that can improve the functionality and quality of life in patients on dialysis.  (2)