Editorial: Anatomy of Upper Airway and Neuronal Control of Pharyngeal Muscles in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Association of traffic air pollution with severity of obstructive sleep apnea in urban areas of Northern Taiwan: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Although recent studies have indicated an association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and air pollution, they have reported inconsistent results. Moreover, few studies investigated the effects of short-term air pollution exposure.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the health effects of short- and long-term exposure to traffic air pollution on mild OSA in Taipei.

METHODS

We collected participants' data from Taipei Sleep Center and air pollution data from Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration. A spatiotemporal model was used to estimate the individual exposure level. Generalized linear models were used to assess the percent change of overall apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), AHI in rapid eye movement period (AHI-REM), AHI in non-REM (AHI-NREM), and oxygen desaturation index (ODI) associated with an interquartile (IQR) increase in personal pollution exposure. A generalized logistic model was used to estimate the ORs of different severities of OSA compared with the reference group.

RESULTS

In the patients with AHI of <15, both short- and long-term exposure to NO₂ were significantly associated with AHI and ODI increases: an IQR increase in 2-year mean NO₂ increased 7.3% of AHI and 8.4% of ODI; these values were the highest among all exposure windows. The effects of NO₂ on AHI increase were stronger in the men and younger patients. Moreover, the association between AHI and NO₂ in the patients with AHI of <15 was mediated by the REM stage. NO₂ exposure was associated with an increased risk of mild OSA that reached up to 24.8% per IQR increase in NO₂ averaged over 2 years. PM_2.5 exerted no effects on AHI, but an IQR increase in 1-year and 2-year mean PM_2.5 was associated with 6.8% and 8.8% increases in ODI, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Both short- and long-term exposure to traffic air pollution were associated with the risk of mild OSA, which was modified by REM stage.

The Utility of Recording Submental Electrical Activity in Polysomnography

Background

Polysomnography is widely utilized as a diagnostic tool in sleep medicine. It is used to diagnose a variety of sleep disorders, including obstructive and central sleep apnea, periodic limb movements, parasomnia, and other sleep disorders. The objective of this study is to discuss the utility of recording submental electrical activity as a tool that provides the additional information needed in producing accurate results of a polysomnogram and emphasize the importance of including this recording in home sleep apnea tests.

Methods

A total of 1472 consecutive polysomnograms were used to assess the usefulness of submental activity in contributing to the accurate reporting of polysomnographic findings. These records were gathered over a one-year period at a major academic sleep center.

Results

Some of the observed electrical activities in the submental area are rare, although they may be important in confirming the findings of the polysomnogram or provide additional information. Adding an electroencephalographic channel and submental electromyographic recording is likely to increase the accuracy of home sleep apnea tests.

Conclusions

Recording of submental electrical activity is an integral part of polysomnography and provides more information than just recording the muscle tone of the submental area and is important in increasing the accuracy of home sleep apnea tests.