February 12, 2016 - Sleep Apnea

Question 1

Ventilatory Response to Hypoxia During Sleep

Answer 1

Sleep depressed the response.

Normally, as oxygen saturation falls, ventilation increases. This happens at a much more dampened response during sleep.

Question 2

Central Sleep Apnea

Answer 2

The effort to b reathe is diminished or absent, typically for 10-30 seconds and is usually associated with a reduction in blood oxygen saturation.

CSA is due to an instability in the body’s feedback mechanisms that control respiration.