What is a characteristic feature of Sleep-Related Hypoventilation?

Sleep-Related Hypoventilation is characterized by decreased breathing during sleep, which leads to elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the blood. This condition arises when the body's ventilation is inadequate to meet metabolic demands, causing an increase in CO2 retention. As a result, individuals may experience complications associated with carbon dioxide buildup, such as daytime fatigue, cognitive issues, and in severe cases, respiratory acidosis.

Understanding this feature is important, especially in differentiating Sleep-Related Hypoventilation from other sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, where individuals may exhibit increased breathing efforts during apneic episodes. The experience of high CO2 levels can also manifest through various symptoms, but the defining characteristic remains the decreased respiratory efficiency during sleep itself.