Review Article

Sleep, Sleep Loss, and Breathing

Authors: BARBARA PHILLIPS MD

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Sleep and sleep loss have remarkable effects on breathing. Although sleep causes ventilatory disturbances of greater severity and variety than does sleep deprivation, the effects of sleep and sleep loss on respiration are similar. For example, both impair ventilatory drive and arousal responses to a variety of stimuli. Although the mechanism of impaired ventilation after sleep loss is not entirely understood, there is evidence to suggest that both respiratory muscle fatigue and central nervous system depression play a role. Patients who suffer from both disturbed sleep and lung disease are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of sleep disruption on breathing. Since sleep restoration returns many respiratory parameters to normal in sleep-deprived individuals, perhaps we should include rest in our treatment of certain patients with respiratory disease.

This content is limited to qualifying members.

Existing members, please login first

If you have an existing account please login now to access this article or view purchase options.

Purchase only this article ($25)

Create a free account, then purchase this article to download or access it online for 24 hours.

Purchase an SMJ online subscription ($75)

Create a free account, then purchase a subscription to get complete access to all articles for a full year.

Purchase a membership plan (fees vary)

Premium members can access all articles plus recieve many more benefits. View all membership plans and benefit packages.

References