Sleep fainting, also known as "sleep syncope," is defined as the loss of consciousness in a non-intoxicated adult that happens during normal sleeping hours.
Understanding Sleep Fainting
Sleep fainting, a term suggested by Jardine et al. in 2006, describes a specific type of syncope, or fainting, that occurs during the typical hours of sleep, which are usually considered between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM. This distinguishes it from fainting that occurs during waking hours.
Key Characteristics
- Occurs During Sleep: Unlike typical fainting spells that might happen during the day due to dehydration or standing up too quickly, sleep syncope occurs while someone is sleeping.
- Non-Intoxicated Adults: The definition specifically states that the person experiencing sleep syncope should not be under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances.
- Loss of Consciousness: It involves a complete loss of awareness, which can sometimes be concerning to those witnessing the event.
- Unexpected Nature: These episodes are often unexpected and can be a cause for worry due to their unpredictable nature.
Why is This Important?
Identifying sleep syncope as a distinct clinical entity is important because:
- It helps in accurately diagnosing and differentiating it from other sleep disorders or causes of syncope.
- It highlights a need for specific research into the underlying mechanisms that cause it.
- It assists doctors in developing appropriate diagnostic and management strategies.
Diagnostic Approach
Doctors might take the following steps to diagnose sleep syncope:
- Thorough Medical History: Reviewing the patient's medical history, including any past episodes of fainting.
- Sleep Study: A polysomnography can be helpful to monitor brain waves and other physiological functions during sleep.
- Physical Examination: Performing physical checkups to rule out any underlying health problems that might contribute to sleep syncope.
Management and Solutions
If diagnosed, management may involve several approaches, tailored to the specific cause:
- Medication Adjustments: If medications are implicated, dosage adjustments or changes can be considered.
- Treatment of Underlying Conditions: If a heart or other medical condition is discovered, treating it may reduce or eliminate the sleep syncope.
- Lifestyle modifications: Implementing changes in sleep hygiene may be advised.
Table Summary of Sleep Fainting
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Sleep Syncope, Sleep Fainting |
| Time of Occurrence | During normal sleeping hours (e.g., 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM) |
| Condition of Person | Non-intoxicated adults |
| Main Symptom | Loss of consciousness |
| Reference | Jardine et al. (2006) |
