Abstract
Obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by repetitive episodes of upper airway collapse (lasting ≥10 s) during sleep. This leads to partial (hypopnea) or complete (apnea) cessation of airflow and blood gas disturbances (hypoxia and hypercapnia), despite ongoing respiratory efforts. Restoration of upper airway patency typically results in a brief awakening (arousal) from sleep. The repetitive physiological stress of obstructive sleep apnea can lead to sleep fragmentation with consequential excessive daytime sleepiness, neurocognitive and cardiovascular sequelae.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Novel Insights into the Pathophysiology and Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea |
Editors | Patrick Levy |
Publisher | Future Medicine Ltd. |
Chapter | 2 |
Pages | 23-33 |
Number of pages | 11 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781780842103, 978-1-78084-211-0 |
ISBN (Print) | 978-1-78084-212-7 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 3 Apr 2014 |
Externally published | Yes |