The effects of nasal decongestion on obstructive sleep apnoea

Publication date: Available online 23 August 2018

Source: American Journal of Otolaryngology

Author(s): Yunsong An, Yanru Li, Dan Kang, S.K. Sharama-adhikari, Wen Xu, Yunchuan Li, Demin Han

Abstract

Background

Many studies have indicated associations between impaired nasal breathing and sleep disorders. However, the precise nature of the relationship between nasal patency and sleep remains unclear.

Purpose

We analysed the effects of nasal patency on sleep architecture and breath in nasal obstruction-predominant obstructive sleep apnoea (NO-OSA) patients by applying nasal decongestant.

Material and methods

A randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind crossover study was performed in OSA patients with chronic nasal obstruction and without obvious pharyngeal narrowing. All OSA patients (confirmed by polysomnography) were recruited and completed 2 overnight studies (randomly applying oxymetazoline or placebo). Data collected after oxymetazoline or placebo treatments were compared. The ClinicalTrials.gov identifier is NCT03506178.

Results

Compared with placebo, oxymetazoline resulted in significant increase in rapid eye movement sleep (p = 0.027) and reduction of stage 1 sleep (p = 0.004), as well as arousal index (p = 0.002). Moreover, great improvements in apnoea/hypopnea index (AHI) were observed (p < 0.001); AHI in the supine position was significantly reduced (p = 0.001). Oxygen saturation during sleep was increased significantly [mean oxygen saturation (p = 0.005) and lowest oxygen saturation (p = 0.024)]. Oxygen desaturation index was significantly reduced (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Improving nasal patency by decongestant could improve sleep quality, AHI, and oxygen saturation level during sleep.

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