Summary Summary Short summary of a recent publication, written by scientific experts. Published: 18 Nov 2018

Rapid eye movement sleep without atonia may be protective against sleep apnoea

Takeaway 

  • Investigated the prevalence and potential protective effects of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) against obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).

Why this matters 

    REM sleep causes atonia (relaxation) of the upper airway muscles, and may therefore aggravate OSA, especially when in a supine sleeping position; RBD is associated with a lack of atonia during REM sleep and may therefore be protective against the effects of OSA.