Overview
Sleep-related groaning, also known as groaning during sleep, is characterized by involuntary vocalizations during sleep without associated arousal or distress. It can occur in various sleep stages and may be associated with underlying medical conditions or sleep disorders 1.Diagnosis
Clinical observation by bed partner or caregiver is crucial 1.
Polysomnography may be considered to rule out other sleep disorders but is not routinely necessary 1.
No specific diagnostic tests are universally recommended; diagnosis is primarily clinical 1.Management
Address underlying causes such as sleep-disordered breathing, periodic limb movements, or psychiatric conditions 1.
Treatment of specific comorbidities (e.g., depression, anxiety) may alleviate symptoms 1.
No specific pharmacological treatments are widely recommended for sleep-related groaning itself 1.Special Populations
Elderly: Polypharmacy in elderly patients may complicate management and increase mortality risk, suggesting careful medication review 1.
No specific guidelines provided for pregnancy or pediatric populations based on the given abstracts 1.Key Recommendations
Evaluate and manage underlying medical conditions contributing to sleep-related groaning (Evidence: Moderate 1).
Consider polysomnography selectively to exclude other sleep disorders (Evidence: Moderate 1).
Review medication regimens in elderly patients to minimize polypharmacy and associated risks (Evidence: Strong 1).References
1 Leelakanok N, Holcombe AL, Lund BC, Gu X, Schweizer ML. Association between polypharmacy and death: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of the American Pharmacists Association : JAPhA 2017. link