Miya Pearson
A low respiratory rate during sleep can be indicative of an underlying health issue. Typically, a low respiratory rate is defined as fewer than 12 breaths per minute, also known as bradypnea. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including sleep apnea, heartburn, head injuries, hypothyroidism, medication, or other health conditions. Sleep apnea, for instance, involves repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, resulting in a decreased overall respiratory rate. It is important to monitor respiratory rates and consult a doctor if you notice any abnormalities, as it is a vital sign that can offer valuable insights into an individual's overall health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Respiratory rate is the pace of breathing |
| Normal range | 12-20 breaths per minute |
| Low respiratory rate | Fewer than 12 breaths per minute (Bradypnea) |
| Causes of low respiratory rate | Sleep apnea, heartburn, head injuries, hypothyroidism, narcotic use, heart conditions, lung conditions, medication, infection, dehydration, anxiety, fever |
| Symptoms | Excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, morning headaches, decreased concentration, shortness of breath, bluish skin, gurgling sounds during breathing |
| Diagnosis | Stethoscope, by hand, visual observation, wearable devices, chest straps, fingertip pulse oximeters, in-home sleep study devices |
| Treatment | CPAP therapy, treating underlying conditions |
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What You'll Learn
Low respiratory rate while sleeping can be caused by sleep apnea
A low respiratory rate while sleeping can be indicative of a serious health condition and should not be ignored. An abnormally low respiratory rate is called bradypnea. While a low respiratory rate can sometimes occur for reasons unrelated to a sleep disorder, it can also be caused by sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder that causes people's breathing to slow down and stop for brief periods while they are asleep. There are two major forms of this disorder: obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea involves a blockage of the airway, often due to the relaxation of soft tissues in the throat. This blockage causes pauses in breathing and may decrease the overall respiratory rate.
The low respiratory rate associated with sleep apnea can cause excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, morning headaches, and a decrease in concentration. If you or your partner notice that you have a low respiratory rate while sleeping, it is important to see a doctor as it may be a sign of an underlying health issue.
Treatments for sleep apnea include continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, which has been shown to be effective in improving abnormal respiratory rates. Maintaining respiratory health is crucial, and this begins with taking care of your overall lung and cardiovascular health.
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It could also be a result of heartburn
A low respiratory rate while sleeping can be indicative of a number of health conditions. One potential cause is heartburn, which is a symptom of acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the food pipe, causing heartburn and other symptoms. This backflow of acid can irritate the airways, causing them to swell and resulting in breathing difficulties.
The link between acid reflux and respiratory issues is well-documented. Experts have found a connection between acid reflux and shortness of breath, with acid reflux being a potential trigger for asthma attacks in those with pre-existing asthma. The proposed mechanisms for this link include acid flow causing injury to the throat lining, airways, and lungs, as well as triggering a nerve reflex that constricts airways to prevent acid from entering. This constriction of airways can lead to a lower respiratory rate.
Additionally, GERD has been found to be associated with pulmonary diseases such as asthma, chronic cough, bronchitis, and pneumonia. The micro-aspiration of stomach acid into the airways can result in laryngeal inflammation and bronchial inflammation, causing a cough and hoarseness. This inflammation can lead to a decrease in respiratory rate, as the body tries to protect the airways from further irritation.
The treatment of acid reflux and GERD can help alleviate respiratory issues. Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding trigger foods, maintaining a moderate weight, and elevating the head while sleeping, can be beneficial. Medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 blockers are also used to manage GERD and its associated symptoms, including respiratory complications.
While a low respiratory rate can be a sign of heartburn or acid reflux, it is important to consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. A detailed assessment of an individual's breathing includes evaluating the depth of each breath, the efficiency of gas exchange in the lungs, and the overall pattern of breathing. This information, along with respiratory rate, can provide valuable insights into an individual's overall health and any potential underlying conditions.
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Other health conditions like head injuries or drug overdoses can cause it
A person's respiratory rate is the number of breaths they take per minute. While it is normal for respiratory rates to fluctuate during sleep, a consistently low respiratory rate while sleeping may indicate an underlying health issue. This could be sleep apnea, a breathing disorder that causes a person's breathing to slow and stop for brief periods while they are asleep. Sleep apnea can cause excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, morning headaches, and decreased concentration.
Other health conditions that can cause a low respiratory rate include head injuries and drug overdoses. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can cause respiratory problems, especially when there is damage to the brain stem or the motor cortex, the two areas of the brain that help control breathing. Brain injuries can lead to respiratory distress and hypoxemia, even in the absence of clinically evident lung injury. Brain damage can also cause lung injury, with increased respiratory system elastance and airway resistance, and hypoxemia.
Opiate and opioid drug overdoses can also cause respiratory depression, where breathing slows or stops. Opioids act on three major classes of opioid receptors, providing analgesia, respiratory suppression, bradycardia, physical dependence, gastrointestinal dysmotility, and euphoria. Opioid-induced respiratory depression can be fatal, and is the proximal cause of death in opioid overdose. Opioids can also inhibit upper airway protective reflexes, increasing the risk of aspiration-induced pneumonia.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a low respiratory rate while sleeping, it is important to seek medical advice.
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Low respiratory rate is called bradypnea
A low respiratory rate while sleeping is typically a result of sleep apnea, a breathing disorder that causes a person's breathing to slow down and even stop for brief periods. This can be caused by a blockage of the airway, often due to the relaxation of soft tissues in the throat. Sleep apnea can also cause excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, morning headaches, and a decrease in concentration.
An abnormally low respiratory rate is called bradypnea. Bradypnea is defined as a respiratory rate of fewer than 12 breaths per minute in adults, though some sources state that it is fewer than 10 breaths per minute. Bradypnea can occur as a result of several factors, including an underlying respiratory condition, airway obstructions, cardiac arrest, hypothyroidism, brain injuries, and drug overdose. It is often a sign of an underlying health problem and can be a medical emergency.
The term bradypnea specifically refers to a slow respiratory rate, while tachypnea refers to a fast respiratory rate. Respiratory rates can be measured by doctors using a stethoscope, by hand, or by observing the rise and fall of the chest or abdomen. Outside of a clinical setting, wearable devices, chest straps, and fingertip pulse oximeters can be used to monitor respiratory rates.
If you or someone you know is experiencing an abnormally low respiratory rate, it is important to seek medical attention. A doctor will be able to determine whether the low respiratory rate is cause for concern and identify any underlying conditions that may be causing the symptoms.
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Consult a doctor if you notice an abnormal respiratory rate
A low respiratory rate while sleeping can be caused by sleep apnea, heartburn, or other health conditions. Sleep apnea, for instance, involves a blockage of the airway, often due to the relaxation of the soft tissues in the throat, causing brief pauses in breathing and a decreased overall respiratory rate.
If you notice an abnormal respiratory rate, it is important to consult a doctor. They will be able to determine whether your breathing rate is cause for concern and identify any underlying disorders.
Vital signs, including respiratory rate, are important indicators of your overall health. They can provide clues about underlying conditions and help healthcare providers understand your progress toward recovery. Therefore, monitoring your vital signs at home, such as body temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiratory rate, can be a useful first step in understanding your health. However, it is important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions when checking your vitals at home.
If you are experiencing an atypical breathing rate, it is recommended to seek medical advice. A low respiratory rate of fewer than 12 breaths per minute, also known as bradypnea, can be indicative of a worsening underlying respiratory condition, airway obstructions, or cardiac arrest. It may also be caused by a drug overdose, as substances such as alcohol, narcotics, and benzodiazepines can depress the breathing drive in the brain.
In addition to noticing an abnormal respiratory rate, there are other symptoms that may indicate the need for immediate medical attention. These include chest pain, bluish skin, gurgling sounds during breathing, or very few breaths per minute. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is crucial to seek immediate medical help.
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Frequently asked questions
A low respiratory rate while sleeping, also known as bradypnea, can be caused by sleep apnea, heartburn, or other health conditions. Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder that causes a person's breathing to slow down or stop for brief periods while they are asleep.
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing slows or stops due to an obstruction in the airway or disruptions in signals from the brain. Obstructive sleep apnea is often due to the relaxation of soft tissues in the throat, while central sleep apnea is caused by interruptions in signals from the brain.
Symptoms of sleep apnea include excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, morning headaches, and decreased concentration. People with sleep apnea may also experience shortness of breath, confusion, or bluish skin, which can indicate low blood oxygen levels.
You can measure your respiratory rate by counting the number of breaths you take per minute. This can be done manually by counting breaths for 60 seconds or by using wearable devices, chest straps, fingertip pulse oximeters, or in-home sleep study devices that track breathing patterns throughout the night.
If you notice that your respiratory rate is consistently outside the typical range for your age group, you should consult a doctor. If you experience symptoms such as chest pain, bluish skin, gurgling sounds during breathing, or very few breaths per minute, seek immediate medical attention.
