What is Sleep-Disordered Breathing?

Sleep-disordered breathing is an umbrella term for a family of disorders involving interruptions to respiration during sleep. People with sleep-disordered breathing can stop breathing or experience low respiration as they sleep, leading to a number of medical complications. Over time, the problem usually grows worse. Treatments are available to address the problem, including wearing devices to help patients breathe at night. A sleep specialist is usually involved in diagnosis and treatment.

Some examples of sleep-disordered breathing include upper airway resistance syndrome, Cheyne-Stokes respiration, and obstructive sleep apnea. In these conditions, patients breathe more slowly or stop breathing periodically while they sleep. Some patients wake up gasping for air. The sleep-disordered breathing causes the blood pressure to increase while the oxygen saturation in the blood drops, depriving bodily tissues of the oxygen they need to function.

People with sleep-disordered breathing may snore or strike out during sleep without being aware of it. Partners can notice issues like labored breathing or gasping. Over time, patients may develop high blood pressure during the day, in addition to symptoms like daytime sleepiness or confusion. Patients may not feel rested when they wake up in the morning, but can be unaware of the fact that they were having trouble breathing at night.

Evaluation in a sleep clinic can provide information about the nature of the disorder. A sleep specialist can discuss options like changing sleeping positions, using supportive pillows to keep the neck at a good angle during sleep, and wearing a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device to keep the airway open during sleep and provide the patient with a supply of air. These measures should help the patient improve, giving the patient more energy during the day and heading off complications caused by chronic high blood pressure and oxygen deprivation during sleep.

Once a person has been diagnosed with sleep-disordered breathing, treatment measures may need to be committed to for life. Patients who are not consistent about their treatment can develop complications caused by an inadequate air supply during sleep. Some patients find it hard to adhere to a treatment regimen when they are getting better, as they may not see the need for wearing intrusive devices during sleep or taking other measures once the crisis is over. Making sure patients and their partners are aware of the problems with not continuing treatment can help ensure that patients stick to the program. If patients have trouble, they can talk to their doctors about other treatment options they may find easier.