Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Collecting Sleep, Circadian, Fatigue, and Performance Data in Complex Operational Environments
Published on: August 8, 2019
Cortisol circadian rhythm and 24-hour Holter arterial pressure in OSAS patients
C Parlapiano1, M C Borgia, A Minni
1Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche, Endocrinologia, Policlinico Umberto I, Università degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza, Rome, Italy. papitebe@hotmail.com
Abstract:
Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a syndrome in which the principal symptom is apnea during sleep. Hypoxia in OSAS is a stress condition, which when prolonged in time, could alter hypothalamo-hypophysial-suprarenal control and the cortisol cicadian rhythm. We studied 28 patients with OSAS (30-60 years old), 20 female and 8 male. We calculated the OSAS class according to the Simmons classification. Twenty of the 28 patients maintained unmodified cortisol circadian rhythms, while 8 had cortisol levels more elevated in late and nocturnal hours. Holter monitoring showed arterial hypertension in 8 of the 28 patients (the same patients with cortisol circadian rhythm alteration). Our data seem to indicate that when the OSAS patients lack cortisol circadian rhythm they are having arterial hypertension.
Related Concept Videos
Pulse rhythm
Conversely, an irregular pulse pattern is termed dysrhythmia, stemming from disruptions in cardiac muscle...
Special considerations while measuring oxygen saturation
Ensuring accuracy in vital sign recordings while prioritizing patient comfort and minimizing anxiety is important.
Measurement of Blood Pressure
Chronopharmacokinetics: Circadian Rhythms and Influence on Drug Response
The time of drug administration is an important factor to consider, as it can influence the toxic dose of a drug. For example, a study conducted by Prins et al. in 1997 examined the effects of the timing of...
Holter Monitor: 24-Hour Monitoring
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

