Sleep Breathing Disorders (SBD) include several syndromes, such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome [OSAS], Central Sleep Apnea, and Nocturnal Hypoxemia, with OSAS being the most common disorder.
OSAS is characterized by recurring collapses of the airway during sleep, followed by hypoxemia and arousal. The apneic and Hypopneic events are manifested in a reduction of breathing for at least 10 seconds, followed by brief arousal and desaturation (reduction of oxygen in the blood). An index of 10 events per hour or higher is the main characteristic of OSAS, along with snoring and daytime sleepiness.
OSAS is prevalent in 5 to 10 percent of the population and is more common among men.
Untreated OSAS can lead to a wide variety of symptoms and increase mortality; daytime sleepiness (and an increased risk of motor and other accidents), cognitive impairment, and nervousness are often reported by most of the patients. The long term effects include an increased risk of hypertension, ischemic heart disease (IHD), CVA and impotence.
Recorded sleep of several hours is needed to detect nocturnal respiratory sleep disorders. These studies can be performed in a few ways:
