What are other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Sleep Apnea Syndromes
• Sleep Hypopnea Syndromes
• Sleep Hypoventilation Syndrome

What is Sleep Disordered Breathing? (Definition/Background Information)

• Sleep Disordered Breathing is characterized by repetitive episodes of cessation and restarting of breathing. It constitutes a group of disorders
• The main types of Sleep Disordered Breathing include:
  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): It is the most common type of Sleep Disordered Breathing and is characterized by a collapse of the upper airway during sleep. This collapse results in a lack of oxygen causing the individual to wake up gasping for air
  • Central sleep apnea: It is characterized by a lack of drive to breathe during sleep. This is usually due to problems in the respiratory center which is located in the brain
  • Complex/mixed sleep apnea

Incidence:

• Its prevalence is estimated to be around 34% in men and 17% in females (more men than women are affected)
• Obstructive sleep apnea is generally observed in older individuals (above 50 years). It is also relatively more common in people of Black, Hispanic, or Asian descent

Risk factors and Cause:

• Sleep Disordered Breathing can be associated with various medical conditions
• Obstructive sleep apnea is commonly seen in obese adults (BMI over 30 and age above 50)
• Central sleep apnea is commonly seen in individuals who take opioid pain medications, live in higher altitudes, or with chronic renal or heart failure
• Sometimes, there may be no particular cause (idiopathic) for the development of central sleep apnea

Signs and Symptoms:

The common signs and symptoms of Sleep Disordered Breathing may include:

• Daytime sleepiness
• Snoring
• Waking up repeatedly in the middle of the night
• Gasping for air in the middle of the night
• Insomnia
• Difficulty concentrating  on day-to-day tasks
• Sexual dysfunction

Diagnosis:

• Sleep Disordered Breathing is initially diagnosed by eliciting a proper patient clinical history
• Presence of any of the above-mentioned signs and symptoms may provide a basis for the final diagnosis
• Confirmatory tests for the condition may include polysomnography (overnight sleep study)

Treatment:

The treatment of Sleep Disordered Breathing can be conservative or medical and may include:

• Weight loss (in obese patients) and other lifestyle adjustments
• Use of nasal sprays
• Use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine while sleeping
• Special mouthpiece devices to hold the tongue and jaw in place
• Surgical procedures, if necessary

Prognosis:

The overall outcomes depend on the type and severity of Sleep Disordered Breathing and the effectiveness of treatment.