Abstract: Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is frequently encountered in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients,  probably resulting from complications, drug side effects, sleep deprivation syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or primary central hypersomnia. Unrecognized and untreated EDS is associated with morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular diseases. Improvement of EDS can prolong the life span and improve the quality of life of the patients. This article reviews recent progresses in the causes, evaluation methods and treatment of EDS in MHD patients, in order to provide a systematic approach for clinicians to assess and manage EDS in MHD patients.

Key words: Maintenance hemodialysis, Excessive daytime sleepiness