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Does obstructive sleep apnea worsen during REM sleep?
I Peregrim1, S Grešová, M Pallayová
1Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, P. J. Šafárik University, Košice, Slovakia. igor.peregrim@upjs.sk.
Physiological Research
|September 12, 2013
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is worse during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, especially in the lateral position. This study found higher apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) in REM sleep for both men and women, particularly when sleeping on their side.
Area of Science:
- Sleep Medicine
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity is debated between REM and NREM sleep stages.
- Body position, particularly side sleeping during REM, may confound AHI differences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) in REM versus NREM sleep.
- To investigate the influence of body position (supine and lateral) on AHI during different sleep stages.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 422 patients undergoing polysomnography.
- Comparison of AHI values between REM and NREM sleep in supine and lateral positions.
- Statistical analysis to determine significance of AHI differences.
Main Results:
- Women showed significantly higher AHI in REM sleep compared to NREM sleep in both supine and lateral positions.
- Men exhibited significantly higher AHI in REM sleep than NREM sleep in the lateral position, but not in the supine position.
- The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was notably higher in REM sleep for both sexes when in a lateral sleeping position.
Conclusions:
- REM sleep contributes to OSA severity, particularly in the lateral body position.
- Findings suggest REM sleep exacerbates OSA in both women and men, especially when sleeping on their side.
- Body position is a crucial factor influencing OSA severity during REM sleep.
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