FREE RST Sleep Disorders & Pathophysiology Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?

Accepted Answer

Recurrent episodes of apnea/hypopnea despite respiratory effort

Answer

Excessive daytime sleepiness without breathing disturbances

Answer

Central nervous system failure to initiate breathing

Answer

Isolated snoring without oxygen desaturation

Question 2

What is the primary pathophysiological mechanism of narcolepsy type 1?

Accepted Answer

Autoimmune destruction of hypocretin neurons

Answer

Obstruction of upper airways during REM sleep

Answer

Dopamine deficiency in the basal ganglia

Answer

Excessive GABAergic activity in the brainstem

Question 3

Which sleep disorder is characterized by 'unpleasant leg sensations and an urge to move' that worsens at rest?

Accepted Answer

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)

Answer

Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD)

Answer

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD)

Answer

Circadian Rhythm Sleep-Wake Disorder

Question 4

In central sleep apnea (CSA), what distinguishes apnea events from OSA events?

Accepted Answer

Absence of respiratory effort during apnea

Answer

Presence of snoring during events

Answer

Associated limb movements

Answer

Exclusive occurrence during REM sleep

Question 5

Which polysomnographic finding is diagnostic for REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD)?

Accepted Answer

Elevated EMG tone during REM sleep

Answer

Cheyne-Stokes respiration pattern

Answer

Frequent cortical arousals during NREM

Answer

Alpha-delta sleep pattern

Question 6

What is the hallmark symptom of idiopathic hypersomnia?

Accepted Answer

Non-refreshing naps lasting >1 hour

Answer

Sleep attacks with cataplexy

Answer

Sleep paralysis upon waking

Answer

Hypnagogic hallucinations

Question 7

Which condition is associated with the 'paradoxical insomnia' complaint of severe sleep deprivation despite normal PSG findings?

Accepted Answer

Sleep State Misperception

Answer

Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder

Answer

Kleine-Levin Syndrome

Answer

Fatal Familial Insomnia

Question 8

What is the primary risk factor for developing shift work sleep disorder?

Accepted Answer

Irregular sleep-wake cycles conflicting with circadian timing

Answer

Genetic predisposition to insomnia

Answer

Excessive caffeine intake

Answer

Obstructive sleep apnea comorbidity

Question 9

Which sleep disorder involves recurrent episodes of binge eating and drinking during partial arousals from sleep?

Accepted Answer

Sleep-Related Eating Disorder (SRED)

Answer

Nightmare Disorder

Answer

Nocturnal Bulimia Syndrome

Answer

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder