Sleep Breathing Disorders

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to sleep breathing disorders, their definitions, and diagnostic criteria.

Sleep Breathing Disorder (SBD)

Any condition with abnormal respiration during sleep, causing disrupted gas exchange and excessive daytime symptoms.

Apnea

A pause in respiration for at least 10 seconds with no to very little airflow.

Hypopnea

A reduction in ventilation of at least 30%, leading to a decrease in arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) of at least 4%.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

A disorder where the upper airway is blocked during sleep, preventing air from moving through the windpipe.

Central Sleep Apnea

A syndrome where a person's breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep due to brainstem failure.

Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI)

The average frequency of apnea and hypopnea events per hour of sleep.

Cheyne-Stokes Respiration

A distinct breathing pattern characterized by cycles of hyperventilation and apnea, commonly associated with heart failure.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

A treatment device that delivers pressurized air through a mask to support breathing during sleep.

Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BPAP)

A device that provides two pressure levels—higher for inhalation and lower for exhalation.

Oral Pressure Therapy (OPT)

A treatment that applies negative pressure to stabilize the tongue and reduce airway obstruction during sleep.