Central sleep apnea caused by high altitude

Central sleep apnea caused by high altitude

Definition

A central sleep apnea syndrome induced by sleeping at an altitude higher than 2000 m. Central sleep apnea is caused by improper signaling from the brainstem to the respiratory muscles and is triggered by either hypoventilation or hyperventilation. Clinical signs include snoring, insomnia or hypersomnia, difficulty concentrating, and fatigue. Recurrent episodes of hypoxia/hypoxemia have long-term detrimental effects on cardiovascular health.

Also known as central sleep apnea due to high altitude, central sleep apnea due to high-altitude periodic breathing, high altitude-induced periodic breathing — per MONDO

Also identified as