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Tachycardia - Rapid heart rate. In adults, usually defined by a heart rate of over 100 beats per minute (bpm).
Thermocouples - Small devices placed near the nostrils to measure airflow by sensing temperature changes; expired air is warmer than inspired air.
Thermoregulation - The regulation of body temperature in mammals.
Theta Activity - EEG brain wave activity with a frequency of 4-8 Hz. It is most prominent over the central and temporal cortex.
Thoracic Excursion - Thoracic (chest) movement, which indicates respiratory effort. This is recorded in diagnostic sleep studies, and is typically measured by the placement of a sensor band around the chest. The sensor band records chest wall movement associated with respiration. This measurement is used in differentiating the type of sleep apnea.
Tidal Volume - The amount of air that passes in and out of the lungs in an ordinary breath. Usually expressed in liters.
Titration - A method of determining optimal CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) treatment parameters for sleep apnea. This involves automatic or manual adjustment of the CPAP device to a level that eliminates airway blockage.
Transient Insomnia - Difficulty sleeping for only a few nights..
Tolerance - In pharmacology, refers to the reduced responsiveness to a drug's action as the result of previous continued use.
Tonic (Event/Activity) - Physiological events that are constant or continuous. In sleep, atonia refers to the lack of muscle tone during REM sleep.
Tonsils - A pair of prominent masses of lymphoid tissue which are located opposite each other in the throat between the anterior and posterior pillars of the fauces (the narrow passage from the mouth to the pharynx situated between the soft palate and the base of the tongue). Composed of lymph follicles grouped around one or more deep crypts. Also called the palatine tonsil.
Tonsillectomy - Surgical removal of the tonsils.
Toothgrinding (Bruxism) - Grinding one's teeth while asleep. This occurs at some time in approximately 70% of people; most have no noticeable side effects. However, 5% of victims develop symptoms such as tooth wear, jaw pain and headaches. Episodes of grinding are more severe after stressful days.
Total Recording Time - The duration of time from the beginning of a sleep recording ("lights out") to final awakening. In addition to total sleep time, it is comprised of the time taken up by wakeful periods.
Total Sleep Time - The amount of actual sleep time in a sleep episode. This is equal to the total sleep episode less the awake time. Total sleep time is the total of all REM and NREM sleep in a sleep episode.
Tracheotomy - Surgical procedure to create an opening in the trachea (windpipe) through which breathing can occur. Occasionally used to treat severe obstructive sleep apnea that is non-responsive to other treatment.
Tracheostomy - Refers to the opening in the trachea. As a treatment for severe obstructive sleep apnea, this opening bypasses an obstruction in the airway.
Transducer - A device designed to convert energy from one form to another.
Transient Arousals - Brief awakenings from sleep.
Transient Insomnia - Difficulty sleeping for only a few nights.
Tricyclic Antidepressants (Antidepressants) - A class of medications most commonly used in the treatment of depression. Tricyclic refers to the three-ring chemical structure. Most tricyclic antidepressants also reduce REM sleep. In sleep disorders, they are used to control cataplexy, hypnagogic hallucinations, and sleep paralysis.
Turbinate - Small, shelf-like, cartilaginous structures covered by mucous membranes, which protrude into the nasal airway to help warm, humidify, and cleanse inhaled air on its way to the lungs.
Twilight Zone - A slang term that describes the waking state of individuals whose MSLT scores are 5 minutes or less. Such individuals are usually sleep deprived or suffer from a sleep disorder.
Twitch (Body Twitch) - A very small body movement such as a foot or finger jerk that is not usually associated with an arousal.
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