RPSGT RPSGT Sleep Disorders & Pathophysiology 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sleep disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of partial or complete upper airway obstruction during sleep?
- Central sleep apnea
- Obstructive sleep apnea (Correct answer)
- Sleep-related hypoventilation
- Cheyne-Stokes respiration
Correct answer: Obstructive sleep apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is defined by recurrent upper airway collapse during sleep, causing apneas and hypopneas despite continued respiratory effort.
Question 2: What is the minimum AHI threshold for diagnosing moderate obstructive sleep apnea per AASM criteria?
- 5 events/hour
- 15 events/hour (Correct answer)
- 30 events/hour
- 50 events/hour
Correct answer: 15 events/hour
Moderate OSA is defined as an AHI of 15–29 events per hour per AASM classification guidelines.
Question 3: Narcolepsy type 1 is distinguished from narcolepsy type 2 primarily by the presence of:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Sleep paralysis
- Cataplexy (Correct answer)
- Hypnagogic hallucinations
Correct answer: Cataplexy
Narcolepsy type 1 is defined by cataplexy and/or low CSF hypocretin-1 levels, which are absent in narcolepsy type 2.
Question 4: Which condition is characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs, typically worse at rest and in the evening?
- Periodic limb movement disorder
- Restless legs syndrome (Correct answer)
- REM sleep behavior disorder
- Sleep-related leg cramps
Correct answer: Restless legs syndrome
Restless legs syndrome features an uncomfortable sensorimotor urge to move the legs that worsens at rest and is relieved by movement.
Question 5: Central sleep apnea with Cheyne-Stokes breathing is most commonly associated with which underlying condition?
- Obesity
- Nasal obstruction
- Congestive heart failure (Correct answer)
- Hypothyroidism
Correct answer: Congestive heart failure
Central sleep apnea with Cheyne-Stokes breathing is most commonly seen in patients with congestive heart failure due to impaired ventilatory control.
Question 6: What polysomnographic finding is pathognomonic for REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD)?
- Increased slow-wave sleep
- REM sleep without atonia (Correct answer)
- Sleep-onset REM periods
- Elevated AHI during REM
Correct answer: REM sleep without atonia
RBD is diagnosed by PSG demonstrating loss of normal REM atonia (REM sleep without atonia) along with abnormal motor behaviors during REM.
RPSGT RPSGT Sleep Disorders & Pathophysiology 1
Which sleep disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of partial or complete upper airway obstruction during sleep?