Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 26, 2025
07:54
Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy DISE with Target Controlled Infusion TCI and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Published on: December 6, 2016
20.4K
Opioid-Related Sleep-Disordered Breathing: An Update for Clinicians
Waqas Jehangir1, Alexander D Karabachev2, Zankhana Mehta3
1The University of Vermont Medical Center, Hematology and Medical Oncology, Burlington, VT, USA.
The American Journal of Hospice & Palliative Care
|March 20, 2020
Summary
Chronic opioid use can cause sleep-disordered breathing, increasing mortality risk. Understanding this link is crucial for effective pain management and patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Sleep Medicine
- Pain Management
Background:
- Opioids are widely prescribed for intractable pain.
- Increasing use by primary care physicians and nonspecialists.
- Chronic opioid use is linked to sleep-disordered breathing (SDB).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanism, diagnosis, and treatment of opioid-related SDB.
- To update clinicians on managing this complication.
- To improve care for chronic pain patients on opioids.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on opioid-induced SDB.
- Analysis of current diagnostic approaches.
- Evaluation of treatment strategies.
Main Results:
- Opioid-induced SDB is a significant complication of chronic pain therapy.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate management can mitigate risks.
- Further research is needed to optimize treatment protocols.
Conclusions:
- Opioid-related SDB poses risks including increased mortality.
- Clinicians must be aware of and manage this adverse effect.
- Improved understanding and treatment are essential for patient outcomes.
Keywords:
apneasobstructive sleep apneasopioid-related disordersopioidssleepsleep-disordered breathingMore Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:24Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
338
Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
338
01:21Sleep Apnea
398
Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops intermittently during sleep, often leading to significant health issues. Each episode can last from 10 to 20 seconds or more and is frequently accompanied by a brief arousal from sleep. This disturbance, largely unnoticed by the individual, can lead to severe daytime fatigue. Commonly, individuals seek help after being informed by their partners about loud snoring and noticeable breathing pauses during sleep.
The condition is more prevalent among...
The condition is more prevalent among...
398
01:19Management of Insomnia
443
The sleep cycle, an integral part of human health, consists of several stages with distinct characteristics and functions. It begins with a transition from wakefulness to sleep, known as the light sleep phase, followed by the restorative deep sleep phase, essential for physical recovery and growth. The cycle concludes with the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase, characterized by high brain activity and vivid dreaming. Insomnia, a prevalent sleep disorder, involves difficulty falling asleep, staying...
443
01:14CNS Depressants: Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines
1.1K
CNS depressants include drugs from the category of barbiturates and benzodiazepines. They are valuable medications for managing anxiety disorders and insomnia. Barbiturates, once used to induce and maintain sleep, have been replaced mainly by benzodiazepines due to barbiturate's toxicity, tolerance, and overdose risks. They interact with GABAA receptors, leading to sedation at low doses and potentially coma and death at higher doses. Phenobarbital, a long-acting barbiturate, possesses...
1.1K
01:17Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents
424
Sedatives and hypnotics encompass a wide range of substances, each with its unique mechanism of action, uses, and potential adverse effects.
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
424
01:17Sleepwalking and Sleep Talking
668
Somnambulism, commonly known as sleepwalking, involves individuals engaging in activities ranging from simple walking to more complex behaviors such as driving. Sleepwalking typically occurs during the slow-wave sleep stages 3 and 4 early in the night when the person is not dreaming, contradicting the myth that sleepwalkers are acting out their dreams.
Factors that increase the likelihood of sleepwalking include sleep deprivation and alcohol consumption. Contrary to common beliefs, it is safe...
Factors that increase the likelihood of sleepwalking include sleep deprivation and alcohol consumption. Contrary to common beliefs, it is safe...
668