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| Example of an obstructive apnea, in which air cannot be inhaled because of a physical blockage in the upper airway. |
A complete cessation of airflow for at least ten seconds during sleep. Apneas may be central, obstructive, or mixed.
CENTRAL APNEA (aka CSA)
A complete cessation of airflow and respiratory effort for at least ten seconds during sleep.
OBSTRUCTIVE APNEA (aka OSA)
A full cessation of airflow for at least 10 seconds during sleep which is associated with a continuation of respiratory effort.
MIXED APNEA (aka COMPLEX APNEA)
A full cessation of airflow for at least ten seconds which begins central (no associated respiratory effort) and ends obstructive (respiratory effort).
Links to learn more:
- Sleep Apnea: A Major Public Health Problem [PDF] || from the New England Journal of Medicine
- Sleep Apnea || MedicineNet.com
- When it comes to sleep apnea, some treatment is better than none || CapitalHealth.org
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SOURCE for DEFINITIONS:
Spriggs, WH. (2010.) Glossary. In Essentials of Polysomnography (pp585-606). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers
