| A |  |
B | |
C | |
D | |
E | |
F | |
G | |
H | |
I | |
J | |
K | |
L | |
M | |
| N | |
O | |
P | |
Q | |
R | |
S | |
T | |
U | |
V | |
W | |
X | |
Y | |
Z | |
Abdominal Movement - Movement of the abdomen, which reflects breathing effort and movement of the diaphragm. This is typically measured by the placement of a sensor band around the chest. Abdominal movement is recorded in diagnostic sleep studies. This measurement is used in differentiating the type of sleep apnea.
Advanced Sleep Phase Syndrome - A circadian rhythm disorder in which phases of the daily sleep/wake cycle are advanced with respect to clock time. The sleep phase occurs well ahead of conventional bedtime, creating a tendency to fall asleep or wake up too early.
Airflow Limitation (Flow Limitation) - Partial closure of the upper airway with reduced airflow.
Alpha Rhythm - An EEG brainwave produced when an individual is in a relaxed awake condition with their eyes closed. The frequency is 8-13 Hz in human adults, and is predominately present in the occipital lobe of the brain. It indicates the awake state in most normal individuals.
Alpha Sleep - Sleep in which alpha activity occurs with sleep EEG patterns.
Alpha-Delta Sleep - On rare occasions, Delta brainwaves (deep sleep) are mixed with alpha brainwaves (relaxed wakefulness). Alpha-delta sleep occurs with conditions such as arthritic pain, stimulant use and thyroid imbalance.
Ambulatory Monitor - Portable system used for the continuous recording of multiple physiological variables during sleep.
Antidepressant - A class of medications most commonly used in the treatment of depression. Most antidepressants also reduce REM sleep. In sleep disorders, they are used to control cataplexy, hypnagogic hallucinations, and sleep paralysis.
Apnea - Cessation of breathing for 10 or more seconds during sleep. There are two basic types of sleep apnea: Obstructive Apnea is caused by a closure of the air passage despite efforts to breathe; Central Apnea is a lack of effort to breathe. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is by far the most common type. True apnea during wakefulness is extremely rare.
Apnea/Hypopnea Index - (AHI) (RDI or Respiratory Disturbance Index) The frequency of abnormal respiratory events per hour of sleep. These events are classified as Apneas or Hypopneas. Apnea is when breathing (airflow) stops for 10 seconds or more. Hypopnea is a partial blockage of airflow resulting in arousal and a possible drop in oxygen level. An AHI of 45 would indicate that the patient is experiencing complete or partial airflow blockage 45 times per hour.
Apnea Index - The frequency of apneas per hour of sleep.
Arousal - An abrupt change from sleep to wakefulness, or from a "deeper" stage of non-REM sleep to a "lighter" stage.
Arousal Disorder - A parasomnia disorder presumed to be due to an abnormal arousal function. The classical arousal disorders are sleepwalking, sleep terrors, and confusional arousals.
Arousal Threshold - The ease with which a sleeping person is awakened at a particular time.
Arrhythmia - An absence or irregularity of the heart rhythm caused by disturbances of the transmission of electrical impulses through the cardiac tissue.
Auto Adjusting Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Device (SmartPAP) - See CPAP. A type of CPAP machine that monitors changes in the individual's breathing and compensates automatically by making the appropriate adjustment in pressure.
Automatism - An automatic action; especially any action performed without apparent intention or awareness.
Awakening - The return to the polysomnographically defined awake state from any of the non-REM sleep stages or REM sleep: characterized by alpha and beta waves, rise in tonic EMG, voluntary eye movements and eye blinks.
| Home | Privacy & Security | Search | Sitemap | Contact | Help |
| Copyright © 2002 SleepQuest. All rights reserved. |  |