New insights into the timing and potential mechanisms of respiratory-induced cortical arousals in obstructive sleep apnea

Abstract

Study Objectives: A negative intrathoracic pressure threshold is one commonly proposed mechanism for triggering respiratory-induced arousals in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). If so, they should occur during inspiration, shortly after maximal negative pressure swings. Alternatively, respiratoryinduced arousals may occur throughout the respiratory cycle if other mechanisms also contribute. However, arousal timing has been minimally investigated. This study aimed to (1) determine the temporal relationship between respiratory-induced arousals and breathing phase and (2) characterize neuromuscular and load compensation responses prior to arousal. Methods: Fifty-one CPAP-treated OSA patients under..