Sleep Apnea Definitions

The following are our definitions for terms related to Sleep Apnea. Click the links below to jump to the definition.

Definitions

  • Apnea

    Greek for "without breath"; a pause in breathing.

  • Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI)

    The total number of apneas and hypopneas per hour of sleeping; thirty and over is considered severe.

  • Arrhythmia

    An irregular heartbeat.

  • Automatic Positive Airway Pressure

    A form of sleep apnea therapy where a machine automatically determines and adjusts the air pressure necessary to keep the airway open.

  • Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure

    A form of sleep apnea therapy that delivers two levels of pressurized air: one for breathing in and one for breathing out.

  • Blood Oxygen Content

    The amount of oxygen in the arteries; normal levels are usually above 95%. Sleep apnea can cause repeated sudden drops in this number which is a stress on the heart and a cause for concern.

  • Central Sleep Apnea

    Much less common then Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Central Sleep Apnea is usually either the result of a stroke or another pre-existing condition and is a miscommunication between the brain and the airway muscles.

  • Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

    Currently the most effective form of sleep apnea therapy where sufficient air pressure is delivered through a facial mask in order to maintain an open airway.

  • Enuresis

    Known as bedwetting, this behavior is mainly seen in young children and can be a symptom of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

  • Hypersomnia

    Excessive daytime sleepiness, often seen in individuals who also have trouble sleeping.

  • Hypopnea

    A breathing event that is very shallow or very slow with only partial airflow.

  • Insomnia

    The inability to fall asleep and/or stay asleep.

  • Laser Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP)

    This mild surgery is performed under local anesthesia and removes the uvula and some of the soft palate with the use of a laser.

  • Maxillomandibular Advancement

    This surgery moves the lower jaw forward by breaking it and then wiring it shut until it is healed.

  • Mixed (or Complex) Apnea

    This form of sleep apnea is a combination of the other two kinds: obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.

  • Nocturia

    The frequent urge to urinate during the nighttime (or normal sleep time). This urge may occur many times during the night and may result in poor sleep quality.

  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

    The most common kind of sleep apnea defined by partial or complete physical blockage of the airway.

  • Pillar Palatal Implant

    A relatively new surgery where small pieces of polyester are inserted into the soft tissue on the top of the back of the mouth and as a result the tissue becomes stiffer.

  • Polysomnogram

    A painless test, or a sleep study, that is done in a sleep lab or hospital that gathers data while an individual sleeps and can be used to diagnose sleep apnea.

  • Sleep Center

    A medical setting where a sleep study is performed and sleep disorders can be diagnosed.

  • Sleep Study

    A sleep study is another term for a polysomnogram. It is a painless test done over one or more nights that collects data to help in the diagnosis of sleep disorders.

  • Soft palate

    The soft tissue on the roof of the mouth, in the back.

  • Supine

    Face up, as in laying on one's back.

  • Titration Study

    If sleep apnea is diagnosed, this study determines the air pressure that is necessary to keep the airway open with a positive airway pressure machine and a sleep apnea mask.

  • Tonsillectomy

    Traditionally performed mainly on children, this surgery removes both of the tonsils. The procedure has become less popular now that the role of the tonsils is better understood.

  • Tracheostomy

    A hole is cut directly into the windpipe through the neck so that the air moving in and out of the lungs bypasses the upper airway entirely.

  • Uvula

    This is soft, fleshy piece of tissue that hangs in the back of the throat.

  • Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)

    A surgery in which the uvula, parts of the soft palate, and some of the tissue in the back of the throat are removed in order to create a wider airway.