Discharge patterns of human genioglossus motor units during sleep onset

Abstract

Study Objectives: Multiunit electromyogram recordings of genioglossus have demonstrated an abrupt reduction in the muscle's activity at sleep onset. Recent evidence from single motor unit recordings indicates that the human genioglossus muscle consists of motor units with a variety of discharge patterns. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of sleep onset on the activity of individual motor units as a function of their particular discharge pattern. Design: Genioglossus activity was assessed using intramuscular fine-wire electrodes via a percutaneous approach. Sleep onsets (α-to-θ transitions) were identified and the genioglossus electromyogram recordings analyzed for sing..