Which type of sleep is often disrupted in patients with sleep apnea?

Patients with sleep apnea experience disruptions primarily during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. This stage of sleep is critical for restorative processes such as emotional regulation, memory consolidation, and physical recovery. In individuals with obstructive sleep apnea, breathing may be interrupted frequently during the night due to blockages in the airway, which can lead to a significant reduction in the amount of time spent in REM sleep.

The decrease in REM sleep can exacerbate the symptoms of sleep apnea and affect the overall quality of sleep. Individuals may awaken feeling unrested and fatigued, as REM sleep cycles are often disrupted or eliminated altogether during an apnea event.

While NREM sleep and deep sleep stages can also be affected, specifically focusing on REM makes sense because this stage is particularly sensitive to disturbances and is where breathing irregularities can lead to the most noticeable impact on sleep quality and restorative functions.