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Updated: May 23, 2026

Implantation of Combined Telemetric ECG and Blood Pressure Transmitters to Determine Spontaneous Baroreflex Sensitivity in Conscious Mice
Published on: February 14, 2021
Baroreflex modulation during sleep and in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
P Cortelli1, C Lombardi, P Montagna
1IRCSS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Dipartimento di Scienze Neurologiche, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Italy.
This review explores how cardiovascular reflexes and autonomic nervous system control blood pressure and heart rate during sleep. Understanding these interactions is key to addressing sleep apnea complications like hypertension.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Sleep Medicine
- Autonomic Neuroscience
Background:
- Cardiovascular reflexes, particularly the arterial baroreflex, play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure and heart rate.
- Autonomic nervous system activity undergoes significant changes during different sleep stages.
- Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is associated with cardiovascular complications, including hypertension and daytime sleepiness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the complex integration between cardiovascular reflexes and central autonomic control during sleep.
- To analyze the functional interactions between the autonomic nervous system and sleep mechanisms.
- To provide insights into the pathophysiology of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome complications.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on arterial baroreflex function and autonomic control during sleep.
- Analysis of anatomical and functional organization of cardiovascular reflexes.
- Discussion of methods for assessing baroreflex function in humans.
Main Results:
- Sleep-dependent changes in arterial blood pressure and heart rate are controlled by integrated cardiovascular reflexes and central autonomic influences.
- Interactions between autonomic nervous system and sleep mechanisms occur at higher brain organization levels.
- Dysregulation of these interactions contributes to hypertension and sleepiness in obstructive sleep apnea.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the interplay between autonomic control and sleep is vital for comprehending cardiovascular regulation.
- This knowledge is essential for elucidating the mechanisms behind obstructive sleep apnea-related morbidities.
- Further research into these interactions may lead to improved therapeutic strategies.
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