What is sleep-disordered breathing (SDB)?

Sleep-Disordered Breathing (SDB): Sleep-disordered breathing refers to a group of conditions characterized by abnormal breathing patterns during sleep. It involves disruptions in the normal flow of breathing, which can result in reduced oxygen levels in the blood and fragmented sleep. The most prevalent and well-known type of sleep-disordered breathing is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In OSA, the upper airway becomes partially or completely blocked, leading to repeated pauses in breathing, called apneas, or shallow breathing, known as hypopneas. Another type of sleep-disordered breathing is central sleep apnea (CSA), where the brain fails to send appropriate signals to the muscles that control breathing. Complex sleep apnea syndrome, also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea. SDB can range in severity from mild to severe and can significantly impact sleep quality and overall health.