Understanding sleep-disordered breathing

Sleep-disordered breathing includes pauses or reductions in airflow, including obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive apnea involves a blocked airway; central apnea involves interrupted signals controlling breathing. Shallow breathing during sleep is another concern.

Injury level, muscle function, weight, medications, and other factors may contribute. It is more prevalent in tetraplegia than paraplegia; several mechanisms remain under investigation.