Neurophysiology of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is often an undiagnosed condition worldwide.Untreated sleep apnea may lead to many adverse consequences such as cardiovascular events, road traffic accidents, and fatigue.Hence there is a need to address the neu- rophysiological changes associated with obstructive sleep apnea.This review of evidence on the neurophysiology of OSA showed the changes in neuronal activity during the sleep-wake cycle.Snoring, a common symptom of OSA induces vibratory trauma to the upper airway muscles.Various imaging techniques showed the significance of genioglossus muscle in maintaining airway stability during sleep and reduced muscle activation increases the pharyngeal resistance and predisposes to collapse.Ultrasound measurement of the diaphragm of OSA patients noticed the increased thickness of the diaphragm compared with the age-matched subjects.Increased sympathetic activity was observed in OSA patients.A high level of evidence is needed in the area of neuro-physiological changes in obstructive sleep apnea patients.