Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 6, 2026
10:56
Quantifying Infra-slow Dynamics of Spectral Power and Heart Rate in Sleeping Mice
Published on: August 2, 2017
10.6K
Sleep Disorders: Is the Trigemino-Cardiac Reflex a Missing Link?
Tumul Chowdhury1, Barkha Bindu2, Gyaninder Pal Singh2
1Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Manitoba , Winnipeg, MB , Canada.
Frontiers in Neurology
|March 15, 2017
Summary
The trigemino-cardiac reflex (TCR), a response originating in the face, can cause cardiorespiratory issues. This review explores TCR
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- The trigemino-cardiac reflex (TCR) involves cardiorespiratory responses from facial nerve stimulation.
- TCR is recognized in neurosurgery and skull base procedures.
- Recent research suggests TCR's role in sleep disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential role and correlation of the trigemino-cardiac reflex (TCR) in sleep abnormalities.
- To review limited data on TCR in conditions like obstructive sleep apnea and bruxism.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on the trigemino-cardiac reflex.
- Analysis of existing data on TCR and sleep-related disorders.
- Exploration of the diving reflex as a subtype of TCR.
Main Results:
- The trigemino-cardiac reflex can manifest as apnea, bradypnea, bradycardia, hypotension, and arrhythmias.
- The diving reflex, a TCR subtype, is studied in sudden infant death syndrome.
- Data on TCR's involvement in obstructive sleep apnea and bruxism is scarce.
Conclusions:
- The trigemino-cardiac reflex may contribute to various cardiorespiratory symptoms.
- Further research is needed to understand TCR's specific role in sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea and bruxism.
Related Concept Videos
01:15REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
2.2K
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...
RBD is significantly associated with...
2.2K
01:24Sleep-Wake Cycles
3.1K
Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM).
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
3.1K
01:07Narcolepsy
669
Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by pervasive, uncontrolled sleepiness and other sleep disturbances. One of its hallmark symptoms is an abrupt transition to REM sleep upon falling asleep, which causes symptoms typically associated with this phase to occur unexpectedly during wakefulness. These include the following symptoms, which typically last from a minute or two to half an hour.
669
01:17Sleepwalking and Sleep Talking
1.2K
Somnambulism, commonly known as sleepwalking, involves individuals engaging in activities ranging from simple walking to more complex behaviors such as driving. Sleepwalking typically occurs during the slow-wave sleep stages 3 and 4 early in the night when the person is not dreaming, contradicting the myth that sleepwalkers are acting out their dreams.
Factors that increase the likelihood of sleepwalking include sleep deprivation and alcohol consumption. Contrary to common beliefs, it is safe...
Factors that increase the likelihood of sleepwalking include sleep deprivation and alcohol consumption. Contrary to common beliefs, it is safe...
1.2K
01:13Functional Brain Systems: Reticular Formation
5.6K
The reticular formation is a complex network of gray and white matter located within the brainstem extending from the medulla to the midbrain.
Within the reticular formation, there are several distinct nuclei that can be classified into three broad categories. The Raphe nuclei are located along the midline of the brainstem. They are primarily known for their role in synthesizing and releasing serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood, appetite, sleep, and circadian rhythms. The...
Within the reticular formation, there are several distinct nuclei that can be classified into three broad categories. The Raphe nuclei are located along the midline of the brainstem. They are primarily known for their role in synthesizing and releasing serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood, appetite, sleep, and circadian rhythms. The...
5.6K
01:18Nightmares and Night Terrors
671
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...
Nightmares...
671