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Gender differences in airway resistance during sleep
1School of Behavioural Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|February 14, 1998
Summary
During non-rapid-eye-movement sleep, upper airway resistance (UAR) increases more in men than women. This gender difference in UAR may increase men
Area of Science:
- Sleep Medicine
- Respiratory Physiology
- Gender Differences in Health
Background:
- Non-rapid-eye-movement (NREM) sleep is characterized by decreased ventilation and increased upper airway resistance (UAR).
- Healthy men exhibit a progressive rise in UAR as NREM sleep deepens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare changes in UAR and ventilation during sleep onset and NREM sleep between young men and women.
- To investigate potential gender-related susceptibilities to sleep-disordered breathing.
Main Methods:
- Polysomnography was used to monitor sleep stages and respiratory parameters.
- Upper airway resistance (UAR) and ventilation were measured in 14 men and 14 women (aged 18-25) during sleep onset and NREM sleep.
Main Results:
- No significant gender differences in UAR or ventilation changes were observed during sleep onset.
- A significantly larger increment in UAR was found in men compared to women during NREM sleep (P < 0.01).
- Mean UAR levels at peak flow during slow-wave sleep were approximately 25 cmH2O.l-1.s in men and 10 cmH2O.l-1.s in women.
Conclusions:
- Healthy young men demonstrate a greater increase in upper airway resistance during NREM sleep compared to women.
- This gender-specific increase in UAR may indicate a higher susceptibility to sleep-disordered breathing in men.
- Further research is needed to explore the contribution of increased UAR to the development of obstructive sleep apnea in men.