Broadcast — Mini-Med - Sleep disorders: To Sleep, Perchance to Breathe...

Humans spend approximately one-third of their lives sleeping. This unique state, which is so important to our health and well-being, is characterized by changes in many bodily functions. In some cases, normal physiologic changes associated with sleep can lead to abnormal physiologic function, which can in turn lead to changes in daytime functioning.

This lecture explores the normal changes in breathing during sleep, the causes of sleep apnea, the physiologic disturbances associated with this condition, and the many ways in which these changes can effect health and well-being. The lecture also explores how this condition can be successfully treated.