Semin Respir Crit Care Med 1998; 19(2): 113-122
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1009388
Copyright © 1998 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Epidemiology of Sleep-Disordered Breathing

Susan Redline
  • Cleveland Veteran Affairs Medical Center Sleep Laboratory; Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
20 March 2008 (online)

Abstract

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a syndrome characterized by frequent episodes of obstructed breathing during sleep, associated with oxygen desaturation, sleep fragmentation, and symptoms of loud snoring and sleepiness. This syndrome has been recognized with increasing frequency in both general and clinical populations. Estimates of its prevalence vary according to the definitions and monitoring approaches used to identify SDB. The overall prevalence of the syndrome is thought to vary from minimal estimates of 2% to upper levels that exceed 50%. Prevalence is particularly high in certain subgroups: males, obese individuals, those with underlying comorbidities (cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, metabolic abnormalities, etc.), people with a family history of sleep apnea, and those with anatomic compromise of their upper airway. SDB also varies markedly with age, with marked increases in SDB with older age. The high prevalence of the syndrome, in conjunction with a myriad of associated health effects, suggests that SDB may contribute to substantial morbidity in the population.

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