Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) refers to a group of respiratory disorders that occur during sleep, characterized by abnormalities in breathing patterns or pauses in breathing. It is a broad term that encompasses various conditions, including snoring, sleep apnea, and other forms of abnormal respiratory effort during sleep.
Snoring, the most common form of SDB, is the loud, hoarse sound produced when the flow of air through the mouth and nose is partially blocked during sleep. This obstruction can occur due to relaxed throat muscles, excessive fat deposits in the throat, or the presence of nasal congestion.
Sleep apnea, another common form of SDB, is characterized by repeated episodes of complete or partial cessation of breathing during sleep. This interruption in breathing can last for a few seconds to a minute and can often be accompanied by choking or gasping. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a subtype of sleep apnea, occurs when the airway becomes partially or completely blocked, leading to difficulties in breathing.
Sleep Disordered Breathing can have numerous adverse effects on an individual's health and quality of life. It can result in poor sleep quality, leading to excessive daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and impaired cognitive and emotional functioning. SDB has also been linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular problems, such as high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease.
Diagnosis of Sleep Disordered Breathing typically involves a sleep study or polysomnogram, which monitors various physiological parameters during sleep, including breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and brain activity. Treatment options may include lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and positional therapy, nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices, dental appliances, or surgery to remove obstructions or enlarge the airway.
