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Updated: Jan 14, 2026
Quantifying Infra-slow Dynamics of Spectral Power and Heart Rate in Sleeping Mice
Published on: August 2, 2017
Cardiac Arrhythmias and Sleep Disorders
Catherine M Heinzinger1, Reena Mehra2
1Sleep Disorders Center, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue/S73, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA. Electronic address: https://twitter.com/DrHeinZzzinger.
Insights
Sleep disordered breathing is strongly linked to cardiac arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation. Treating sleep disordered breathing may reduce atrial fibrillation recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sleep Medicine
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Sleep disordered breathing (SDB), periodic limb movements, insomnia, and sleep curtailment are linked to cardiac arrhythmias.
- The association is most consistent and significant between SDB and atrial fibrillation (AF).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the association between sleep disorders and cardiac arrhythmias.
- To explore the underlying mechanisms and therapeutic implications.
Main Methods:
- Review of community-based and clinical cohort studies.
- Analysis of findings from animal experimental models.
- Evaluation of nonrandomized interventional studies.
Main Results:
- Strongest evidence links SDB and AF.
- Mechanisms include autonomic nervous system fluctuations, intrathoracic pressure changes, and intermittent hypoxia.
- SDB treatment may decrease AF recurrence post-ablation or cardioversion.
Conclusions:
- SDB is a significant risk factor for cardiac arrhythmias, particularly AF.
- Understanding the mechanisms can guide therapeutic strategies.
- Intervention for SDB shows promise in managing AF.
Abstract:
Sleep disordered breathing (SDB), periodic limb movements of sleep, insomnia, sleep curtailment, and sleep architectural changes are associated with cardiac arrhythmias in community-based and clinical cohort studies. Findings appear to be strongest in magnitude and most consistent for SDB and atrial fibrillation (AF). The mechanisms most consistently identified in animal experimental models include autonomic nervous system fluctuations and intrathoracic pressure alterations, the latter resulting in direct mechanical effects on the thin-walled atria. Other studies point toward intermittent hypoxia. Nonrandomized interventional studies suggest that the treatment of SDB reduces AF recurrence after ablation or cardioversion.
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