Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB)

Sleep-Disordered Breathing (SDB) refers to breathing problems that happen during sleep. When we sleep, our breathing should be smooth and uninterrupted, but in SDB, there are disruptions or abnormalities in the breathing pattern.

The most common type of SDB is called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In OSA, the airway becomes partially or completely blocked while sleeping, causing brief pauses in breathing. These pauses can lead to decreased oxygen levels in the body and disrupt the sleep cycle.

People with SDB may experience symptoms like loud snoring, daytime sleepiness, headaches upon waking up, waking up frequently during the night, and difficulty concentrating. If left untreated, SDB can have negative effects on overall health, increasing the risk of heart problems, diabetes, and other health complications.

To diagnose SDB, a sleep study is typically conducted either in a sleep clinic or using portable devices at home. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the condition and can include lifestyle changes such as weight loss and altering sleep positions. Other treatment approaches may involve using devices like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines or oral appliances to keep the airway open during sleep.