SEATTLE, Oct 25, 2004 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- People with difficulty sleeping at night or staying awake during the day may suffer from more than just a sleep disorder, found a Massachusetts study.

The majority of patients with obstructive sleep apnea and/or non-restorative sleep have a high degree of attention deficit, as well as neuromuscular and psychiatric conditions, according to Dr. Clifford G. Risk, Marlborough Center for Sleep Disorders, in Marlborough, Mass. He presented the findings at CHEST 2004, the 70th annual international scientific assembly of the American College of Chest Physicians.

"Although sleep apnea is clearly linked to attention deficit in adults, treating the sleep disorder may not always improve a patient's daytime attention and cognition," said Risk.

The study found many people with a sleep disorder and attention deficit may suffer from multiple underlying conditions, such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue.

"When seeing a specialist about a sleep disorder, patients should inform their health-care provider of any related conditions that could be contributing to their sleeping difficulties," advises Dr. Paul A. Kvale, president of the American College of Chest Physicians.

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