What is a RERA and what are its potential consequences?

A RERA, or Respiratory Effort-Related Arousal, is specifically characterized as an arousal from sleep that is associated with a decrease in airflow. This occurs when there are significant changes in breathing effort, even though airflow may not fully meet the criteria for apnea or hypopnea. During a RERA, the body's efforts to breathe become more pronounced despite an insufficient airflow, leading to a disturbance in sleep continuity.

The potential consequences of RERAs include fragmentation of sleep, which can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness, decreased cognitive function, and a reduced quality of life. Furthermore, frequent RERAs can contribute to the overall burden of obstructive sleep apnea, where disrupted sleep patterns can exacerbate cardiovascular conditions, increase blood pressure, and lead to metabolic issues.

By properly identifying and understanding RERAs, clinicians can better address sleep-related breathing disorders and mitigate potential health impacts.