Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 29, 2025

Eye Tracking, Cortisol, and a Sleep vs. Wake Consolidation Delay: Combining Methods to Uncover an Interactive Effect of Sleep and Cortisol on Memory
08:08

Eye Tracking, Cortisol, and a Sleep vs. Wake Consolidation Delay: Combining Methods to Uncover an Interactive Effect of Sleep and Cortisol on Memory

Published on: June 18, 2014

27.5K

REM-related obstructive sleep apnea: when does it matter? Effect on motor memory consolidation versus emotional

Ina Djonlagic1,2, Meng Guo1,3, Moroke Igue1

  • 1Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.

Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine : JCSM : Official Publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine
|January 30, 2020
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) during REM sleep does not impact motor memory consolidation. However, REM-exclusive OSA negatively affects emotional health, highlighting its clinical significance.

Area of Science:

  • Sleep Medicine
  • Neuroscience
  • Psychology

Background:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is common during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, but its specific clinical impact remains unclear.
  • Understanding the effects of REM-related OSA on cognitive and emotional functions is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the influence of REM-exclusive OSA on motor memory consolidation.
  • To assess the impact of REM-exclusive OSA on mood states.
  • To compare these effects between healthy controls, REM-exclusive OSA patients, and patients with OSA throughout sleep.

Main Methods:

  • A comparative study involving three groups: healthy controls (n=18), REM-exclusive OSA (n=17), and OSA during REM and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep (n=18).
  • Participants completed the motor sequence task (MST) for memory consolidation, psychomotor vigilance test (PVT), and mood assessments (Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire, Profile of Mood State - POMS).

Main Results:

  • Motor sequence task performance improved overnight in healthy controls and REM-exclusive OSA groups, but was reduced in patients with OSA during both REM and NREM sleep.
  • Overnight MST improvement correlated with the apnea-hypopnea index during NREM sleep, not REM sleep.
  • Patients with REM-exclusive OSA reported the most negative emotions, scoring highest on the POMS survey.

Conclusions:

  • Apneas occurring exclusively during REM sleep do not impair motor sequence memory encoding or stabilization.
  • REM-exclusive OSA is associated with significant negative emotional health outcomes.
  • These findings underscore the clinical importance of addressing REM-specific OSA for emotional well-being.
Keywords:
OSAREM sleepemotional helplungsleep-dependent memory consolidation

More Related Videos

Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood08:20

Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood

Published on: October 2, 2019

12.4K
A Chronic Sleep Fragmentation Model using Vibrating Orbital Rotor to Induce Cognitive Deficit and Anxiety-Like Behavior in Young Wild-Type Mice06:23

A Chronic Sleep Fragmentation Model using Vibrating Orbital Rotor to Induce Cognitive Deficit and Anxiety-Like Behavior in Young Wild-Type Mice

Published on: September 22, 2020

5.9K

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...
409
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...
1.1K
Sleep-Wake Cycles01:24

Sleep-Wake Cycles

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:
2.6K
Repressed Memory01:16

Repressed Memory

Repressed memories are a psychological phenomenon where memories of traumatic events are unconsciously blocked from a person's awareness. This process occurs as a defense mechanism, protecting the mind from the emotional impact of distressing or painful experiences. For example, a person who has experienced childhood trauma may grow up with no conscious recollection of the event. In such cases, the memories are thought to be buried deep within the subconscious, inaccessible to the conscious...
418
Higher Mental Functions of Brain: Learning and Memory01:26

Higher Mental Functions of Brain: Learning and Memory

Memory is one of the most vital higher mental functions of the brain. Memory is closely related to learning because it enables us to retain information and experiences from our past to use them in our present life. It also helps us to remember facts, events, and skills, such as riding a bike or swimming. There are two types of memory — declarative memory, which involves memorizing facts or events, and procedural memory, which enables us to remember how to do something like writing or...
1.9K
Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation01:13

Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation

Insufficient sleep refers to not getting the recommended amount of sleep for optimal functioning, even if it's just slightly less than needed. Sleep insufficiency may occur due to lifestyle choices, such as staying up late for social events or work, resulting in routinely getting less sleep than required. For example, consistently sleeping 6 hours when the body needs 7-9 hours can lead to cumulative effects on health and well-being.
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
766