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Published on: June 20, 2018
REM-associated nasal obstruction: a study with acoustic rhinometry during sleep
Luc G T Morris1, Omar Burschtin, Jennifer Setlur
1Department of Otolaryngology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA. luc.morris@nyumc.org
Summary
REM sleep causes significant nasal congestion, while non-REM sleep leads to decongestion. This nasal congestion during REM sleep may increase obstructive sleep apnea events.
Area of Science:
- Sleep Medicine
- Respiratory Physiology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) events are more frequent during REM sleep.
- Previous research indicates no direct link between sleep phase and pharyngeal airway status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate nasal airway patency during REM and non-REM sleep.
- To determine the relationship between sleep stages and nasal congestion using acoustic rhinometry.
Main Methods:
- Acoustic rhinometry was used to measure nasal cross-sectional area in 10 subjects.
- Measurements were taken before sleep, during REM sleep, and during non-REM sleep.
- Nasal congestion was quantified using the mean congestion factor (MCF), standardized to a decongested baseline.
Main Results:
- Mean congestion factor (MCF) was 10.6% seated, increasing to 16.2% supine.
- MCF was significantly higher during REM sleep (22.3%) compared to non-REM sleep (2.3%).
- All comparisons between sleep stages were statistically significant (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- REM sleep is associated with substantial nasal congestion.
- Non-REM sleep is characterized by profound nasal decongestion.
- REM-induced nasal congestion, potentially linked to cerebral blood flow, may contribute to increased OSA events during this sleep stage.
