Apnoetés

Apnoetés is a term that refers to a state of breath-holding, specifically when it occurs voluntarily or involuntarily during sleep. While the term can broadly encompass any instance of ceasing respiration, it is most commonly associated with sleep-related breathing disorders. In the context of sleep, apnoetés can manifest in several ways. Obstructive sleep apnoea, for instance, is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts due to a blockage in the airway. Central sleep apnoea is another form, where the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.

The experience of apnoetés during sleep can lead to a variety of symptoms, including loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, daytime sleepiness, and morning headaches. These episodes, though often brief, can disrupt sleep quality and lead to more serious health consequences over time, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Diagnosis typically involves a sleep study, also known as polysomnography, which monitors breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and brain activity during sleep. Treatment options vary depending on the type and severity of apnoetés and may include lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, or medical interventions like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy or oral appliances.