Sleep Disorders Glossary - A
Abdominal Movement
Abdominal Movement is the 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 (ASPS) is a disorder in which the major sleep episode is advanced in relation to the desired clock time, sleep onset occurs in early evening and as a consequence, wakefulness occurs in early morning. . The sleep phase occurs well ahead of the conventional bedtime and the tendency is to wake up too early. This disorder is more common in the elderly.
Airflow Limitation
Airflow Limitation is a Partial closure of the upper airway with reduced airflow.
Alpha-Delta Sleep
Alpha-Delta Sleep in which, 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.
Alpha Waves
Alpha waves are a pattern of smooth, regular electrical oscillations in the frequency range of 8-12 Hz that occurs during quiet wakefulness, such as when the eyes are closed. Alpha waves are commonly detected by electroencephalography (EEG) or magnetoencephalography (MEG)
Altitude insomnia
Altitude insomnia is an acute insomnia that occurs when people go to higher altitudes. Usually accompanied by headaches, loss of appetite, and fatigue. Twenty-five percent of individuals who go from sea level to 2,000 meters will have some symptoms. Also called Acute mountain sickness, Acosta’s disease, Alpine sickness, and hypobaropathie.
Ambulatory Monitor
Ambulatory Monitor is a portable device for continuously monitoring the electrical activity of the heart for 24 hours or for multiple physiological variables during sleep.
Anesthesia
Anesthesia is the process of blocking the perception of pain and other sensations. This allows patients to undergo surgery and other procedures without the distress and pain they would otherwise experience
Anticonvulsant
Anticonvulsant are a class of drugs indicated for the treatment of various types of seizures associated with seizure disorders such as epilepsy, a neurological dysfunction in which excessive surges of electrical energy are emitted in the brain, and other disorders. A drug that prevents or relieves convulsions.
Antidepressant
Antidepressant is a medication designed to treat or alleviate the symptoms of clinical depression. They are given to elevate mood, counter suicidal thoughts, and increase the effectiveness of psychotherapy and also used in the treatment of cataplexy, hypnagogic hallucinations, and sleep paralysis.
Antihistamine
Antihistamine is a drug that counteract the effects of a substance in the body called histamine. It is used Used to reduce nausea and sickness. Antihistamine is a common ingredient in over-the-counter sleeping pills because of their sedative effect.
Anxiolytics
Anxiolytics are prescription drugs used to treat and prevent anxiety disorders. Drugs that are often prescribed to manage anxiety episodes are known as benzodiazepines.
Apnea
Apnea is a technical term for suspension of external breathing. During apnea there is no movement of the muscles of respiration and the volume of the lungs initially remains unchanged. Derived from Greek translated as "want of breath;" episodes of non-respiration during sleep that last at least 10 seconds.
Apnea/Hypopnea Index (AHI)
Apnea/Hypopnea Index (AHI) is the frequency of abnormal respiratory events per hour of sleep. These events are classified as Apneas or Hypopneas. Apnea is defined as temporary absence or cessation of breathing. 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
Apnea Index is the frequency of apneas per hour of sleep.
Arousal
Arousal is the act of arousing, or the state of being aroused. It is a physiological and psychological state involving the activation of the reticular activating system in the brain stem, the autonomic nervous system and the endocrine system, leading to increased heart rate and blood pressure and a condition of alertness and readiness to respond.
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
Arousal Threshold is 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.
Augmentation
Augmentation is the act of increasing or rising. A result of extended use of dopaminergic agents in which symptoms (of Restless Legs Syndrome) are chased into the daytime sometimes necessitating daytime dosing.
Auto Adjusting Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Device (APAP) is a type of CPAP machine that monitors changes in the individual's breathing and compensates automatically by making the appropriate adjustment in pressure.
Automatic behavior
Automatic behavior is performing activities or tasks with little or no recollection of the event. This condition can be observed in a variety of contexts, including schizophrenia, psychogenic fugue, complex partial seizure, epilepsy or in response to a traumatic event.
Awakening
Awakening is the act of waking or ceasing to sleep. "Spontaneous" awakenings most often start while you are in REM sleep, although you may awaken from NREM sleep, as well. When you are awake, your brain waves are of the alpha or beta pattern, your muscle tone is high and you can move voluntarily.
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