Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders

Abstract Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a disorder that involves various conditions during sleep, causing negative physiological consequences. SDB refers to multiple diagnoses, including snoring, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea (CSA), sleep hypoxia, and sleep-related hypoventilation. The most prevalent among SDB is OSA, affecting almost 1 billion people globally. While sleep apnea can develop in any individual, risk factors associated with increased risk include: obesity, age, male sex, family history, and use of alcohol and sedatives. Upper airway obstruction in OSA can lead to different physiological changes, including decreased oxygen saturation, sleep fragmentation, and changes in heart rate. Long-term consequences include daytime sleepiness, impaired quality of life, hypertension, and increased rates of cardiometabolic disorders. Significant presenting symptoms include snoring, poor sleep quality, and daytime sleepiness. The diagnosis of sleep apnea requires a comprehensive evaluation, including a detailed sleep history and physical examination. Objective testing is needed for diagnosis and can be done at home or in a sleep laboratory. Different treatment options for sleep apnea include lifestyle change modifications, positive airway pressure (PAP), oral appliances, or surgery.