Answer: "Z Syndrome" is a metabolic syndrome (“syndrome X”), associated with sleep disturbances. It is a cluster of 5 components.
- insulin resistance,
- obesity,
- hypertension,
- dyslipidemia, and
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
Clinical Significance: Treating OSA eliminates recurrent episodes of hypoxaemia and the haemodynamic and respiratory stresses. In ICU these patients may benefit from application of nocturnal CPAP mask.
