ABSTRACT
Sleep is a complex behavior generated by specific physiological changes in the central nervous system (CNS). Sleep is divided into non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep on the basis of specific neurophysiological characteristics. Since sleep, like any behavior, is generated in the brain, it is not surprising that many antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) not only affect sleep, but may also be of value in the management of sleep disorders. This chapter will briefly discuss the effects of AEDs on sleep, and then discuss in greater detail evidence for the use of AEDs in specific sleep disorders.
