Background Sleep related breathing disorders (SRBD) are a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and decrease the quality of life and performance due to nonrestorative sleep. SRBD are more frequent in a number of neurodegenerative disorders like multiple system atrophy or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. According to available reports, the prevalence in Huntington’s disease (HD) is not increased, however the studies included almost only presymptomatic and early symptomatic patients.

Aims To investigate the prevalence of SRBD in HD patients in moderate and advanced disease stage.

Methods 18 (9 women) HD patients in mean age 52.5 ± 17.8 [22–78] with motor UHDRS >29 and TFC <11 as well as 11 (5 women) age, gender and BMI matched healthy controls underwent the screening of nocturnal respiration with Embletta device and a questionnaire based assessment of sleep quality and daytime sleepiness.

Results Apnea hypopnea index, oxygen desaturation index and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were higher in patients (5.1 ± 5.1 vs 1.6 ± 2.2 p = 0.031; 5.6 ± 5.1 vs 1.5 ± 1.9 p = 0.07; 7.9 ± 4.7 vs 4.5 ± 1.7 p = 0.039 respectively). Snoring Index, mean and minimal oxygen saturation and Daytime Sleepiness Scale were not different between groups. Six patients showed AHI >5 and four of them >10.

Conclusions Moderate and advanced HD may be associated with significant SRBD. The data confirms also previously reported poor sleep quality in HD patients.