Dhypopnées

Dhypopnées is not a standard term in medical literature; the correct term used in sleep medicine is hypopnéa or hypopnée in the plural hypopnées. Hypopnées are partial reductions in airflow that occur during sleep, typically lasting at least 10 seconds and associated with a drop in blood oxygen or an arousal from sleep. They are a core component of sleep-disordered breathing and are often counted together with apneas in sleep studies.

Hypopnées are most commonly discussed in the context of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where airway obstruction leads to repeated partial or complete interruptions of breathing during sleep. The severity of sleep-disordered breathing is usually quantified with the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI), which counts both apneas and hypopnées per hour of sleep. Depending on criteria, a hypopnéa may be scored with a desaturation of at least 3% or 4% or with an arousal, influencing the total AHI.

Causes and risk factors include excess body weight, upper airway anatomy, nasal obstruction, alcohol use, sedatives, and aging. Central hypopneas, caused by reduced respiratory drive rather than airway obstruction, are less common than obstructive events.

Symptoms commonly involve loud snoring, witnessed pauses in breathing, restless sleep, morning headaches, and daytime sleepiness or fatigue. Hypopnéa-related sleep disruption is associated with cardiovascular risk, impaired daytime functioning, and cognitive effects.

Diagnosis typically requires overnight polysomnography or a sleep study that records breathing, oxygen levels, and sleep stages. Treatment aims to improve airway patency and sleep quality, with options such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), oral appliance therapy, lifestyle changes (notably weight loss), positional therapy, and management of contributing conditions. Early diagnosis and appropriate management can reduce symptoms and associated health risks.