Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 29, 2025

Author Spotlight: Utilizing Traditional Chinese Acupuncture of the Ear to Improve Sleep Disorders
05:34

Author Spotlight: Utilizing Traditional Chinese Acupuncture of the Ear to Improve Sleep Disorders

Published on: August 18, 2023

2.0K

Sleep and Respiratory Infections

Ignacio Boira1, Eusebi Chiner1

  • 1Sleep Unit, Pneumology Department, San Juan de Alicante University Hospital, Alicante, Spain.

Seminars in Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
|February 3, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), elevates inflammation and increases respiratory infection risks. Early SDB screening in respiratory patients is crucial for preventing complications.

Area of Science:

  • Sleep Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Sleep disorders, including circadian rhythm disruption and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), are increasingly recognized for their significant link to respiratory infections.
  • SDB contributes to a proinflammatory state through intermittent hypoxia, sleep fragmentation, oxidative stress, and elevated inflammatory mediators (TNF, IL-6, CRP), with levels often correlating with SDB severity, particularly in OSA patients.
  • Associated factors like nocturnal microaspiration, gastroesophageal reflux, and comorbidities (e.g., obesity) further elevate risks for pneumonia, viral infections (including SARS-CoV-2), and other respiratory complications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the intricate relationship between sleep disorders, particularly SDB and OSA, and their impact on respiratory infection susceptibility and outcomes.
  • To highlight the mechanisms by which SDB promotes inflammation and increases the risk of various respiratory infections and complications.
  • To emphasize the importance of considering SDB in patients presenting with respiratory infections to mitigate potential adverse events.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing research on sleep disorders, SDB, OSA, and respiratory infections.
  • Analysis of the pathophysiological links between SDB, inflammation, and immune responses.
  • Examination of epidemiological data and clinical observations connecting sleep disorders with infection risks and outcomes.

Main Results:

  • SDB, including OSA, is strongly associated with a proinflammatory state, increasing susceptibility to respiratory infections like community-acquired pneumonia and viral infections (e.g., SARS-CoV-2).
  • OSA is linked to increased postoperative complications and post-COVID syndrome, and chronic conditions like bronchiectasis can exacerbate OSA risk.
  • While the protective effect of sleep disorder treatment against infection remains under investigation, SDB is a significant risk factor for respiratory complications.

Conclusions:

  • Sleep-disordered breathing significantly contributes to inflammation and elevates the risk of respiratory infections and associated complications.
  • Screening for SDB in patients with respiratory infections is essential for timely management and prevention of severe outcomes.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the protective role of sleep disorder treatments in mitigating respiratory infection risks.

More Related Videos

An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection09:01

An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

Published on: December 10, 2013

7.9K
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

685

Related Concept Videos

Other Pulmonary Disorders01:17

Other Pulmonary Disorders

Respiratory disorders encompass a range of conditions with varying levels of severity. Asthma, marked by chronic airway inflammation and hypersensitivity, is one such condition. It can lead to airway obstruction due to factors like bronchial spasms, mucosal edema, increased mucus secretion, or epithelial damage. Asthma triggers are diverse, ranging from allergens to emotional upset, and treatment focuses on both immediate relief through bronchodilators and long-term inflammation suppression.
799
Common Respiratory Disorders01:31

Common Respiratory Disorders

Respiratory disorders, a prevalent health concern globally, are generally divided into two primary categories: upper and lower respiratory tract disorders. The categorization is based on the area of the respiratory system they affect.
Upper respiratory disorders impact the airways above the vocal cords, encompassing areas like the nose, sinuses, and throat. Various conditions fall under this category, including the common cold and allergic rhinitis. These disorders can stem from several causes,...
210
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...
130
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:
1.2K
Assessment of Ventilation II: Respiratory Depth and Rhythm01:29

Assessment of Ventilation II: Respiratory Depth and Rhythm

Respiratory Depth
Respiratory depth measures the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a breath. It can vary from shallow to deep and typically remains consistent when a person is at rest or asleep. Occasionally, individuals will automatically inhale deeply, known as sighing, which inflates the lungs with more air than normal breathing.
To assess respiratory depth, observe the degree of chest excursion or movement:
1.4K
Factors Affecting Respiration01:24

Factors Affecting Respiration

Respiration is a crucial physiological function involving exchanging oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) between an organism and its environment. Various factors can impact this essential process:
4.5K