Sleep neurology: pearls and pitfalls

Sleep disorders are among the most frequent and disabling conditions encountered in neurological practice. Chronic insomnia alone affects approximately 10% of adults, while other sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnoea, restless legs syndrome, circadian rhythm disturbances, parasomnias and narcolepsy, are often under-recognised and misdiagnosed. Over-reliance on investigations and inappropriate use of pharmacotherapy represents recurring pitfalls. Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia remains the gold-standard first-line therapy, yet access is limited and medications are frequently started prematurely. Advances in therapeutics, including dual orexin receptor antagonists for insomnia and orexin-based therapies for narcolepsy, offer new opportunities but require careful integration into practice. Management of restless legs syndrome remains an area where inappropriate use of medications-particularly dopamine agonists-can worsen outcomes. This review highlights common diagnostic and therapeutic pitfalls across the spectrum of sleep disorders, integrates emerging evidence and provides practical strategies for neurologists to optimise care.