Sleep disorders are common in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF), especially in those receiving hemodialysis. Sleep-related complaints in this patient population may include insomnia, daytime sleepiness or fatigue and depression. In addition to causing impairment of daytime function and quality of life, sleep apnea may also increase the cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, especially in dialysis patients. In CRF patients, an increased prevalence of sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement during sleep has been reported. Epidemiology, pathophysiology and treatment of sleep disorders in CRF and dialysis patients are still unclear and require further research.