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Related Concept Videos

Anatomical Positions01:11

Anatomical Positions

In anatomy, several standard anatomical positions are used as references for describing the position and orientation of different body parts. These positions help provide a common frame of reference when discussing anatomical structures. The anatomical position is the standard reference point for describing the body's position and orientation. In this position:
The body is upright, facing forward, and standing erect.
The feet are parallel and flat on the floor.
The arms are hanging by the...
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:
Understanding Sleep01:11

Understanding Sleep

Sleep, an essential biological state, involves significant reductions in physical activity, sensory awareness, and interaction with the environment. This complex physiological process is primarily regulated by specific brain regions, notably the hypothalamus and pons, which govern the sleep-wake cycle or circadian rhythm.
The circadian rhythm, a nearly 24-hour cycle, is deeply influenced by environmental light cues. Light exposure directly affects the hypothalamus, which in turn regulates...
Sleepwalking and Sleep Talking01:17

Sleepwalking and Sleep Talking

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...
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...
Narcolepsy01:07

Narcolepsy

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.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 13, 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

Sleep apnea and body position during sleep.

C F George1, T W Millar, M H Kryger

  • 1Department of Respiratory Medicine, University of Manitoba, Canada.

Sleep
|February 1, 1988
PubMed
Summary

Sleeping position impacts obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity. While side sleeping reduces apneas, it may not be sufficient for very obese patients, especially during REM sleep.

Area of Science:

  • Sleep Medicine
  • Respiratory Physiology

Background:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is influenced by patient body position.
  • Side sleeping (lateral decubitus) is often recommended to reduce apnea frequency.
  • Previous studies overlooked sleep stage effects on body position and apnea severity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the combined effects of sleep stage and body position on apnea duration (AD) and frequency (apnea-hypopnea index, AHI).
  • To evaluate the efficacy of lateral decubitus sleeping in severe OSA patients accounting for sleep stage.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of polysomnograms and videotapes from 11 overnight studies of 7 obese patients with severe OSA.
  • Determination of AHI and AD across all spontaneous body positions during REM and NREM sleep.

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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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Main Results:

  • Apnea duration (AD) was significantly longer in REM sleep than NREM sleep, irrespective of body position.
  • Apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was higher when sleeping supine (on the back) versus lateral decubitus (on the side).
  • This positional difference in AHI was significant only during NREM sleep, not REM sleep. AHI remained high even when sleeping on the side.

Conclusions:

  • Apnea duration is longer in REM sleep regardless of sleep position.
  • Higher apnea frequency (AHI) on the back is primarily observed during NREM sleep.
  • The benefit of side sleeping for severe OSA may be limited, particularly in very obese individuals, as AHI remains high even in the lateral position.