Abstract
Sleep disorders have been recognized, diagnosed, and treated since antiquity. However, it is only in the last century that Sleep Medicine has evolved from its infancy into a modern discipline. We now understand that healthy sleep is essential for physical, mental, and social well-being, as well as public safety and performance. Furthermore, poor sleep has been linked to cardio-metabolic changes. Thus, sleep emerges as a critical factor in maintaining cardiovascular and renal health.
Chronic Kidney Disease – a significant health issue affecting 10% or more of the world population – is associated with significant morbidity and mortality for which poor sleep is an often neglected cause. In addition, sleeping less than 4 hours or more than 8 as well as a poor sleep impair kidney function.
The aim of this study is to put in historical perspective (i) the occurrence of Sleep Apnea, Restless Legs Syndrome in patients with chronic kidney disease (ii) the effects of reduced and excessive sleeping time and of a poor sleep on kidney function and (iii) the contribution of Elio Lugaresi (1926-2015) to measure the cardiovascular-respiratory changes occurring in Sleep Apnea, Restless Legs Syndrome and their epidemiological link to hypertension, and myocardial infarction. Lugaresi emerges as a giant in Sleep Medicine. His foundational insights into sleep pathophysiology remain clinically relevant, especially as sleep disorders are now recognized as common and impactful comorbidities in Chronic Kidney Disease. Understanding their historical roots may inform modern diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Keywords: Elio Lugaresi, Polysomnography, Sleep Apnea, Restless Legs Syndrome, Chronic Kidney Disease, Sleep Medicine