Neurocognitive, mood changes, and sleepiness in patients with REM-predominant obstructive sleep apnea

This article focuses on recent evidence linking rapid eye movement (REM) obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) (REM-OSA) to neurocognitive dysfunction and mood changes; the proposed mechanisms for increased risk of neurocognitive dysfunction in REM-OSA, and future research prospects.

PubMed and Google Scholar records were examined for articles utilizing pre-defined keywords. In this work, we mainly included studies published after 2017; nevertheless, critical studies published prior to 2017 were considered.

REM-OSA is an under-recognized stage-related sleep-disordered breathing in which obstructive respiratory events happen chiefly in stage REM. The disorder is commonly seen amongst younger patients and females and has recently been linked to cardiometabolic complications. Although less symptomatic than non-REM-OSA and non-stage-specific OSA, current findings indicate that REM-OSA may have neurocognitive repercussions and mood changes and could be linked to insomnia, increased dreams, and nightmares.

Currently available evidence indicates that REM-OSA may present with insomnia and nightmares and could affect cognitive function and mood.