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Related Experiment Videos

Skin sympathetic nerve activity and effector function during sleep in humans

G Noll1, M Elam, M Kunimoto

  • 1Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Sahlgren Hospital, University of Göteborg, Sweden.

Acta Physiologica Scandinavica
|July 1, 1994
PubMed
Summary

Sympathetic skin nerve activity (SSA) during sleep shows complex regulation. While non-REM sleep maintains SSA, REM sleep increases it, suggesting distinct sympathetic control mechanisms influencing skin blood flow and resistance.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Autonomic Nervous System Research

Background:

  • Sympathetic skin nerve activity (SSA) plays a crucial role in regulating skin physiology.
  • Understanding sympathetic nervous system (SNS) function during sleep is vital for comprehending autonomic control.
  • Previous research has not fully elucidated the dynamic changes in SSA and its effectors across different sleep stages.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate multi-unit SSA in the peroneal nerve during various sleep stages (Stage 2, Stages 3-4, REM sleep).
  • To correlate SSA with concurrent measurements of electrical skin resistance, skin blood flow, and finger blood pressure.
  • To explore the role of specific sympathetic nerve fibers in modulating skin vascular responses during sleep.

Main Methods:

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  • Recording multi-unit SSA from the peroneal nerve in 22 healthy, sleep-deprived subjects.
  • Simultaneous measurement of electrical skin resistance, skin blood flow, and finger blood pressure.
  • Quantification of SSA strength using the area-under-the-curve of the integrated neurogram during 5-min sleep intervals.
  • Analysis of SSA and effector responses across different sleep stages (Stage 2, Stages 3-4, REM) and during K-complexes.

    • Main Results:

    • Non-REM sleep was associated with increased skin resistance (glabrous > hairy) and skin blood flow.
    • Mean SSA did not significantly differ between wakefulness and non-REM sleep.
    • REM sleep showed a significant increase in SSA (34%) compared to Stage 2 sleep.
    • K-complexes in Stage 2 sleep triggered SSA bursts, affecting skin resistance, blood flow, and blood pressure.
    • Increased skin blood flow without skin resistance changes indicated specific sympathetic vasodilator fiber activity.

    Conclusions:

    • Sympathetic nervous system activity exhibits distinct patterns during different sleep stages.
    • The unchanged SSA during non-REM sleep, despite altered skin resistance and blood flow, suggests a balance between decreased vasoconstrictor/sudomotor and increased vasodilator activity.
    • REM sleep is characterized by heightened sympathetic nerve activity.
    • Evidence supports the existence of specific sympathetic vasodilator pathways in human skin.