Supine Alarm Device can Restore REM Sleep in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Abstract

The obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a type of sleep-related breathing disorder and a highly prevalent disease. Because of frequent arousals during the night, OSAS leads to a fragmentation of sleep and the loss of its restorative function. Being in the supine position during sleep makes the individual more susceptible to obstructive apneic events. This influence of sleeping position on OSAS is thought to be generally greater in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep than in non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep stages. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a supine alarm device that combines an auditory and vibrational signal to discourage patients with OSAS from lying in the supine position during sleep. Thirteen participants with OSAS spent two nights in the sleep laboratory, one night with the device activated and the other night with it deactivated in randomized order. Full-night polysomnography, evening and morning blood pressure, and subjective sleep quality were assessed. Under treatment with the activated supine alarm device, participants had significantly fewer respiratory events, a higher baseline blood oxygenation level, fewer oxygen desaturations, and a significant increase in REM sleep compared to the control condition. Subjective sleep quality significantly improved, whereas psychosomatic symptoms during sleep decreased. Treatment with the supine alarm device appears to improve the amount of REM sleep and subjective sleep in patients with OSAS. Future research would benefit of evaluating patient acceptance and adherence to treatment in the home setting and long-term outcomes.