sleep-related breathing disorder
Also written as: SRBD — Sleep-Related Breathing Disorder
Umbrella term for respiratory abnormalities that occur specifically during sleep, including apneas, hypopneas, and hypoventilation.
Full Definition
Sleep-related breathing disorder (SRBD) is a comprehensive diagnostic category encompassing all forms of respiratory dysfunction that occur during sleep. This includes obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, sleep-related hypoventilation, and sleep-related hypoxemia. The defining characteristic is that breathing abnormalities are absent or significantly reduced during wakefulness but emerge or worsen during sleep. Diagnosis requires overnight monitoring demonstrating respiratory events that exceed normal thresholds. SRBDs can lead to sleep fragmentation, cardiovascular complications, and daytime dysfunction if untreated.
Usage
Usage note: Broader category than specific conditions like 'obstructive sleep apnea'; use for general classification.
In Context
- "The comprehensive sleep evaluation revealed a moderate sleep-related breathing disorder requiring CPAP therapy." — Sleep study report
- "Sleep-related breathing disorders are increasingly recognized in pediatric populations with specific diagnostic criteria." — Medical literature review