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Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

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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.

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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.