Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 22, 2026

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy DISE with Target Controlled Infusion TCI and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
07:54

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

Published on: December 6, 2016

20.8K

Gastroesophageal Reflux Affects Sleep Quality in Snoring Obese Children

Rodrigo Strehl Machado1, Frederick W Woodley2, Beth Skaggs3

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
|April 12, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Acidic gastroesophageal reflux (GER) disrupts sleep in obese children with snoring or restless sleep, even without obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This study highlights GER as a key factor in poor sleep quality for this population.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Gastroenterology
  • Obesity Research

Background:

  • Obese children often experience sleep disturbances.
  • Snoring in obese children can indicate underlying sleep-disordered breathing.
  • Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a potential contributor to sleep disruption.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess sleep quality in obese children who snore but do not have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
  • To investigate the relationship between sleep interruptions and GER in this specific pediatric group.

Main Methods:

  • 13 snoring obese children underwent polysomnography with simultaneous multichannel intraluminal impedance and esophageal pH monitoring.
  • Exclusion criteria included prior fundoplication, cystic fibrosis, and age under 2 years.
  • Symptom-association probability analysis was used to link awakenings/arousals with reflux events.

Main Results:

  • Sleep efficiency varied (median 81%).
  • A significant number of awakenings (20.1%) were preceded by reflux episodes, predominantly acidic.
  • In 38.5% of patients, awakenings were significantly associated with GER.

Conclusions:

  • Acidic GER is a likely cause of sleep interruptions in obese children presenting with snoring or restless sleep.
  • These findings are relevant for children without diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
  • Identifying and managing GER may improve sleep quality in snoring obese children.
Abstract

Keywords:
BesityChildElectric impedanceGastroesophageal refluxObstructive sleep apneaSleep wake disorders

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Traditional Chinese Medicine for Sleep Disorders in Acute COPD — A Safe, Cost-Effective Approach04:53

Author Spotlight: Traditional Chinese Medicine for Sleep Disorders in Acute COPD — A Safe, Cost-Effective Approach

Published on: October 18, 2024

1.6K
Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring06:46

Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring

Published on: December 14, 2020

3.5K

Related Concept Videos

Sleep Apnea01:21

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops intermittently during sleep, often leading to significant health issues. Each episode can last from 10 to 20 seconds or more and is frequently accompanied by a brief arousal from sleep. This disturbance, largely unnoticed by the individual, can lead to severe daytime fatigue. Commonly, individuals seek help after being informed by their partners about loud snoring and noticeable breathing pauses during sleep.
The condition is more prevalent among...
750
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease II: Clinical Features and Management01:29

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease II: Clinical Features and Management

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a persistent medical condition that affects many individuals worldwide. Its clinical manifestations can vary greatly, making diagnosis and management challenging for healthcare professionals. The following is a comprehensive overview of the clinical manifestations, assessment, and management strategies for GERD.
Clinical Manifestations
GERD presents itself in a multitude of ways, with symptoms varying from person to person. The hallmark symptoms are...
1.1K
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease I: Meaning and Pathophysiology01:29

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease I: Meaning and Pathophysiology

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) involves the recurrent backflow of the stomach or duodenal contents into the esophagus, leading to troublesome symptoms and potential esophageal mucosal damage. Although GERD is often referred to as a disease, it is more accurately described as a syndrome, as it encompasses a range of symptoms and complications rather than a singular pathological entity, impacting a large number of individuals as the most prevalent upper gastrointestinal problem. Roughly...
2.0K
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep01:24

Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep

Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
524
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder01:15

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder characterized by the absence of muscle paralysis that normally occurs during the REM phase of sleep. This absence allows individuals to physically act out their dreams, which are often vivid and disturbing. Common behaviors exhibited during episodes include kicking, punching, and yelling. These actions can be dangerous, potentially leading to injuries for the person with RBD or their bed partner.
RBD is significantly associated with...
2.4K
Nightmares and Night Terrors01:18

Nightmares and Night Terrors

Nightmares and night terrors represent two distinct types of sleep disturbances that differ in timing, characteristics, and the sleeper's recall of the event. Nightmares are vivid, disturbing dreams that usually awaken the sleeper from REM sleep, a stage of sleep where brain activity is high, and dreams are most frequent. Upon awakening, individuals often have detailed recollections of their nightmares, which can include themes of threats to survival, security, or self-esteem.
Nightmares...
765