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Updated: Jul 18, 2026
07:54
Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Published on: December 6, 2016
Opioids, sleep architecture and sleep-disordered breathing.
1Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital and Western Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Gordon Street, Footscray, Vic. 3011, Australia. dwang@med.usyd.edu.au
Sleep Medicine Reviews
|December 5, 2006
Summary
Opioid use significantly impacts sleep, reducing REM and slow-wave sleep. Chronic use is linked to central sleep apnea, highlighting a need for more research on opioid effects on sleep architecture and respiration.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sleep Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Opioid use is widespread, affecting sleep regulation centers in the brain.
- Mu-opioids, common analgesics, depress respiration and alter sleep patterns.
- Existing data on opioid effects on human sleep architecture and respiration is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on mu-opioid effects on sleep and respiration.
- To identify research gaps and suggest future research directions.
- To explore potential mechanisms underlying opioid-induced sleep and respiratory changes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on opioid use, sleep architecture, and respiration.
- Analysis of findings related to acute and chronic opioid administration.
- Examination of data from opioid induction, maintenance, and withdrawal phases.
Main Results:
- Opioid use is associated with reduced REM and slow-wave sleep.
- Central sleep apnea is a reported consequence of chronic opioid therapy.
- Abnormal ventilatory responses to hypoxia and hypercapnia occur with mu-opioid use.
Conclusions:
- Mu-opioids significantly alter sleep architecture and respiratory control.
- Further human studies are crucial to understand short- and long-term effects.
- Investigating underlying mechanisms is essential for managing opioid-related sleep disturbances.
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