Arousals in obstructive sleep apnea patients with laryngopharyngeal and gastroesophageal reflux

Objective: We hypothesized that differences exist in the effect of apnea severity and those of laryngopharyngeal reflex (LPR) versus gastroesophageal reflex (GER) on arousals during sleep in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).Methods: Japanese patients having witnessed snoring or excessive daytime sleepiness with a frequency scale for symptoms of GER of 10 or more or with visualization of inflammatory changes on pharyngolaryngeal endoscopy underwent polysomnography with pH monitoring using double pH catheter in a sleep laboratory.Results: Most reflux events in patients with severe OSAS with LPR (n = 16) and GER (n = 21) were accompanied with respiratory arousals. On the other hand, among patients with mild-to-moderate OSAS, 64.0% and 24.8% of reflux events were accompanied with spontaneous arousals in those with LPR (n = 12) and GER (n = 12), respectively, and 9.4% and 8.3% of reflux events were not accompanied by arousals. There were no significant differences in other sleep parameters between mild-to-moderate OSAS patients with LPR versus GER and between severe OSAS patients with LPR versus GER.Conclusions: Among patients with reflux, the types of arousal differed significantly between those with mild-to-moderate versus severe OSAS. In patients with mild-to-moderate OSAS, LPR induces more spontaneous arousals than does GER.     

Mechanism of gastroesophageal reflux in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Background It has been reported that the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) disease is high in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). End‐inspiratory intra‐esophageal pressure decreases progressively during OSA, which has been thought to facilitate GER in OSA patients. The aim of our study was to clarify the mechanisms of GER during sleep (sleep‐GER) in OSA patients. Methods Eight OSA patients with reflux esophagitis (RE), nine OSA patients without RE, and eight healthy controls were studied. Polysomnography with concurrent esophageal manometry and pH recording were performed. Key Results Significantly more sleep‐GER occurred in OSA patients with RE than without RE or in controls (P < 0.05). The severity of OSA did not differ between OSA patients with RE and without RE. Sleep‐GER was mainly caused by transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation (TLESR), but not by negative intra‐esophageal pressure during OSA. During OSA gastroesophageal junction pressure progressively increased synchronous to intra‐esophageal pressure decrease. OSA patients had significantly more TLESR events during sleep related to preceding arousals and shallow sleep, but the number of TLESR events was not related to RE. Conclusions & Inferences In OSA patients, sleep‐GER was mainly caused by TLESR, but not by negative intra‐esophageal pressure due to OSA.     

Respiratory response to proton pump inhibitor treatment in children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease

ObjectiveEvaluation of the respiratory response to proton pump inhibitors (PPI) in children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).MethodsOf 131 children diagnosed with OSAS (Apnea Hypopnea Index, AHI >1/h), 37 children (6.9 years; 28.24%) with GERD symptoms (>3 times/week) were included. Overnight polysomnography with 24 h pH-metry was performed before and after 4–8 weeks of PPI treatment (omeprazole once a day, 1 mg/kg).ResultsOf 37 children, 21 were diagnosed with acid GERD where pre- and post-treatment reflux indexes were 14.09 ± 1.47 vs. 7.73 ± 1.36; (p < 0.001). The number of obstructive apneas and hypopneas decreased after PPI treatment, resulting in an AHI reduction from 13.08 ± 3.11/h to 8.22 ± 2.52/h; (p < 0.01). Respiratory response to PPI ranged from complete resolution of OSA (three children with mild OSA; AHI < 5/h; 10.31 years; 14.29%) to lack of significant AHI change (six children with severe OSA; AHI > 10/h; 3.62 years; 28.57%). Post-treatment AHI was predicted by pre-treatment reflux index (adjusted R² = 0.487; p < 0.001).ConclusionsReduction of obstructive respiratory events following short-term PPI treatment in children with both GERD and OSAS may suggest a causal relationship between apnea and reflux in some children. Questionnaire screening for GERD in children with OSAS may be of benefit.     

Association of gastroesophageal reflux disease with weight gain and apnea, and their disturbance on sleep.

Obesity is a common predisposition to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). By statistical analysis of the respondents to a questionnaire that was distributed to members of the Kansai Rugby Association, we examined whether weight gain increased the incidence of these diseases and whether GERD alone disturbs sleep. Prevalence distribution of GERD by age differed from another survey, which suggests that predispositions other than age may contribute to GERD. Weight gain tended to increase the incidence of GERD. In our epidemiological study, both GERD (particularly nocturnal reflux) and OSAS significantly contributed to sleep disturbance. Although GERD alone seemed to be one of several independent factors of sleep disturbance, it was not a weak factor.     

Association between nondipping pattern and EndoPAT signal in patients with mild obstructive sleep apnea

ObjectiveTo compare vascular endothelial function between dipping (D) and nondipping (ND) patterns in patients with and without mild obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) using EndoPAT, a test of reactive hyperemia used to assess peripheral vascular endothelial function.MethodsThe sample consisted of individuals of both genders between 18 and 65 years of age with a body mass index (BMI) of ≤35 kg/m² and apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) of ≤15. The nondipping pattern was considered present when the dip of nocturnal blood pressure (NBP) was <10%. All of the sample underwent clinical and physical evaluation, full polysomnography, 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, and EndoPAT evaluation. A generalized linear model was used for statistical analysis.ResultsThe sample comprised 120 individuals, 35 in the control group and 85 in the mild OSA group. Four groups were formed: Control-ND, Control-D, Mild OSA-ND, and Mild OSA-D according to nocturnal ABPM patterns. The frequency of nondipping was (34.1%) in the Mild OSA group and (17.1%) in the Control group (p = 0.07). The Mild OSA-ND group had a higher augmentation index (AIx) than the Mild OSA-D group. Regression analysis showed that male gender, higher age, and nondipping status were associated with these results, whereas oxygen desaturation index (ODI) and AHI did not. With respect to the reactive hyperemia index (RHI), the Mild OSA-D group had lower values compared to the Control-ND group, but an association with OSA was not confirmed in the regression model.ConclusionNondipping status was associated with a worse augmentation index in both groups independently of AHI or oxygen desaturation index. Male gender, higher age, and nondipping status were associated with augmentation index.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01461486.     

Association between waking electroencephalography and cognitive event-related potentials in patients with obstructive sleep apnea

ObjectiveSleepiness, cognitive deficits, abnormal event-related potentials (ERP), and slowing of the waking electroencephalography (EEG) activity have been reported in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Our study aimed at evaluating if an association exists between the severity of ERP abnormalities and EEG slowing to better understand cerebral dysfunctions in OSA.MethodsTwelve OSA patients and 12 age-matched controls underwent an overnight polysomnographic recording, an EEG recording of 10 min of wakefulness, and an auditory ERP protocol known to specifically recruit attention. P300 and P3a ERP components were measured as well as the spectral power in each frequency band of the waking EEG. Pearson product moment correlations were used to measure associations between ERP characteristics and EEG spectral power in OSA patients and control subjects.ResultsA positive correlation between the late P300 amplitude and θ power in the occipital region was observed in OSA subjects (P < .01). A positive correlation was also found between P3a amplitude and β1 power in central region in OSA subjects (P < .01). No correlation was observed for control subjects.ConclusionsERP abnormalities observed in an attention task are associated with a slowing of the waking EEG recorded at rest in OSA.     

Relationships between sleep disturbances and gastroesophageal reflux disease in Asian sleep clinic referrals

Objective

Studies on the association between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) have reported conflicting results, and attention has not been paid to the relationship between GERD and other sleep disorders. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between GERD and various aspects of sleep disturbances.

Methods

A total of 564 subjects who were referred to a sleep laboratory were enrolled in the study. They underwent nocturnal polysomnography (NPSG), and they were asked to complete a GERD questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of 14 items, and included questions on seven reflux symptoms, namely, heartburn, acid regurgitation, chest pain, hoarseness, globus sensation, coughing and epigastric soreness. Subjects reporting heartburn or acid regurgitation at least once a week were classified as having GERD.

Results

Among 564 participants, 51 subjects (9.0%) were diagnosed as having GERD. GERD patients had higher scores in Beck depression inventory (p < .01), Epworth sleepiness scale (p = .03), Pittsburg sleep quality index (p < .01), more spontaneous arousals in NPSG, and more alcohol consumption than non-GERD patients. There was no association between presence of GERD, SAS-related variables, and body mass index (BMI). GERD was significantly associated with poor sleep quality (adjusted OR, 3.5; 95% CI, 1.3–9.3) and depressed mood (adjusted OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.5–5.3).

Conclusion

Poor subjective sleep and depressive symptoms are associated with the presence of GERD with no association between SAS, BMI and GERD. In managing patients with GERD, psychiatric and sleep symptoms need to be evaluated and appropriately treated.     

Relationships between sleep disturbances and gastroesophageal reflux disease in Asian sleep clinic referrals

ObjectiveStudies on the association between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) have reported conflicting results, and attention has not been paid to the relationship between GERD and other sleep disorders. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between GERD and various aspects of sleep disturbances.MethodsA total of 564 subjects who were referred to a sleep laboratory were enrolled in the study. They underwent nocturnal polysomnography (NPSG), and they were asked to complete a GERD questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of 14 items, and included questions on seven reflux symptoms, namely, heartburn, acid regurgitation, chest pain, hoarseness, globus sensation, coughing and epigastric soreness. Subjects reporting heartburn or acid regurgitation at least once a week were classified as having GERD.ResultsAmong 564 participants, 51 subjects (9.0%) were diagnosed as having GERD. GERD patients had higher scores in Beck depression inventory (p < .01), Epworth sleepiness scale (p = .03), Pittsburg sleep quality index (p < .01), more spontaneous arousals in NPSG, and more alcohol consumption than non-GERD patients. There was no association between presence of GERD, SAS-related variables, and body mass index (BMI). GERD was significantly associated with poor sleep quality (adjusted OR, 3.5; 95% CI, 1.3–9.3) and depressed mood (adjusted OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.5–5.3).ConclusionPoor subjective sleep and depressive symptoms are associated with the presence of GERD with no association between SAS, BMI and GERD. In managing patients with GERD, psychiatric and sleep symptoms need to be evaluated and appropriately treated.     

阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停综合征与心脑血管病的关系

目的　分析阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停综合征 (OSAS)相关事件与心、脑血管病发病关系 ,探讨其发病机制。方法　对健康体检者和专科门诊就诊者进行问卷调查 ,采用多导睡眠图 (PSG)监测 ,筛查出OSAS患者 2 6 2例 ,选择同期 2 4 0名健康体检者作为对照组。观察血压、血糖、血脂、血浆降钙素基因相关肽 (CGRP)、内皮素 (ET)等指标 ,并对心、脑血管病发病情况进行了 6个月至 3年的随访。结果　 (1)OSAS组PSG监测 ,呼吸紊乱次数 35 8 0± 37 0、呼吸紊乱指数 5 9 0± 11 0、平均呼吸暂停时间 (35 0± 13 0 )s、最长呼吸暂停时间 (6 8 0± 2 7 0 )s及 2 4h平均动脉压 (12 8 7± 12 8)mmHg均明显高于对照组 (P <0 0 1) ;最低血氧饱和度 (5 6 %± 13% )明显低于对照组 (P <0 0 1)。 (2 )OSAS组血糖、血脂、纤维蛋白原、血浆ET均高于对照组 (P <0 0 1) ;血浆CGRP明显低于对照组 (P <0 0 1)。 (3)OSAS患者随着病程的延长 ,心、脑血管病发病率逐年增加 ,且均高于对照组 (P <0 0 1)。随访 3年时 ,OSAS组心血管病患病率 6 7 78% ;脑血管病患病率 4 5 6 1%。 (4)OSAS组患者心、脑血管病的发生与呼吸紊乱指数、血压、血糖、纤维蛋白原呈正相关。结论　OSAS与心、脑血管病的发病有密切关系 ,是长期以来尚未引起足够重视     

Hypercoagulability in patients with obstructive sleep apnea

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been linked to cardiovascular complications such as stroke and myocardial infarction. Previous studies demonstrate that OSA patients show elevated fibrinogen levels and increased platelet aggregation that are reversed with 1 night of nasal continuous positive airway pressure treatment (NCPAP). Questioning overall coagulability in OSA, we examined whole blood coagulability in 11 chronically NCPAP treated OSA subjects, 22 previously untreated OSA subjects, and in 16 of these after 1 night of NCPAP treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During full polysomnography, subjects from each group had blood drawn prior to bedtime (21:00 h) and upon waking in the morning (07:00 h). RESULTS: Untreated OSA patients had faster P.M. clotting times than chronically treated OSA patients (3.33+/-0.31 versus 6.12+/- 0.66 min, P<0.05 by ANOVA). A.M. values showed similar results (4.31+/- 0.34 min versus 7.08+/-0.52 min, P<0.05 by ANOVA) for the respective groups. One overnight treatment with nasal CPAP did not produce a significant change in A.M. whole blood coagulability (4.35 +/-0.43 to 5.31+/-0.53 min; n=16; P=0.1) in 16 treated subjects. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate a relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and blood hypercoagulability status that appears to be reversed by chronic NCPAP treatment. These data suggest that NCPAP might protect against the development of cardiovascular complications in OSA patients.     

Association of cervical spondylosis with obstructive sleep apnea

ObjectiveThe study objective was to evaluate the association between cervical spondylosis (CS) and a subsequent diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in light of the expected constricting impact of CS-associated cervical spine changes on the pharyngeal airway space, a key contributor to OSA.MethodsData were retrieved from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Dataset. A total of 98,234 patients who newly received a diagnosis of OSA were identified. We identified four propensity score-matched controls per OSA patient (n = 392,936). Chi-square tests were used to compare cases and controls on sociodemographic characteristics, and multivariable logistic regression modelling to examine the association of OSA with prior CS.ResultsOf the 98,234 sampled patients, 18,070 (18.4%) patients had a prior CS diagnosis, significantly different among cases compared to controls, being 18.4% and12.1%, respectively, p < 0.001. Logistic regression analysis showed an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of prior CS of 1.778 (95% confident interval (CI): 1.744–1.814) relative to controls. The adjusted odds of prior CS without myelopathy was 1.764 for cases relative to controls (95% CI: 1.727–1.801), and for prior CS with myelopathy (adjusted OR: 1.778, 95% CI: 1.721–1.837). Analysis stratified by age showed that in the 45–64- and >64-year age groups, the adjusted ORs of CS were 1.803 (95% CI: 1.758–1.850) and 1.634 (95% CI: 1.568–1.703), respectively, for cases relative to controls.ConclusionsOur results suggest that OSA is associated with prior CS. The results call for professionals to be alert to the possibility of subsequent development of OSA among patients with CS.     

Severity of individual obstruction events increases with age in patients with obstructive sleep apnea

BackgroundAge is a risk factor of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It has been shown that OSA progresses over time, although conflicting results have been reported. However, the effect of age on the severity of OSA and individual obstruction events has not been investigated within different OSA severity categories by taking the most prominent confounding factors (i.e., body mass index, gender, smoking, daytime sleepiness, snoring, hypertension, heart failure, and proportion of supine sleep) into account.MethodsPolygraphic data of 1090 patients with apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) ≥5 were retrospectively reanalyzed. The effect of age on the severity of OSA and obstruction events was investigated in general, within different OSA severity categories, and in different age groups (age <40, 40≤ age <50, 50≤ age <60, and age ≥60 years).ResultsIn the whole population, AHI and durations of apneas, hypopneas, and desaturations increased with increasing age (B ≥ 0.108, p ≤ 0.010). In more detailed analysis, AHI increased with age only in the moderate OSA category (B = 0.075, p = 0.022), although durations of apneas increased in mild and severe OSA categories (B ≥ 0.076, p ≤ 0.038). Furthermore, durations of hypopneas increased with age in mild and moderate OSA categories (B ≥ 0.105, p ≤ 0.038), and durations of desaturations (B ≥ 0.120, p ≤ 0.013) in all OSA severity categories. AHI was not statistically significantly different between the age groups, although durations of obstruction events tended to increase towards older age groups.ConclusionAs obstruction event severity was more strongly dependent on the age than it was dependent on AHI, considering the severity of obstruction events could be beneficial while estimating the long-term effects of the treatments and prognosticating the disease progression.     

Association of inflammation and oxidative stress with obstructive sleep apnea in ischemic stroke patients

ObjectiveThe role of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in the mortality and further cardiovascular risk in subjects with ischemic stroke remains a contentious issue. Oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction due to OSA have seldom been studied in stable ischemic stroke patients.Patients/MethodsThis cross-sectional, prospective study involved 92 consecutive ischemic stroke patients who were admitted to the Rehabilitation ward. All subjects received polysomnography and laboratory tests for oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers, including: C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and urinary 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine. Differences in study variables between patients with or without severe OSA were compared, and multivariate linear regression analyses were used to assess the relationship between OSA severity and target biomarkers.ResultsParticipants in the severe OSA group were significantly older (p = 0.002), had a significantly higher risk of hypertension (p = 0.021) and a lower level of CRP (p = 0.006). Among the subjects with ischemic stroke and severe OSA, the levels of CRP, IL-6, and TAC were positively correlated with the desaturation index (DI) and the TAC levels were negatively correlated with mean arterial oxygen saturation (SaO₂). Regression analysis results indicated that the TAC levels remained significantly and negatively correlated with mean SaO₂ levels. Moreover, the CRP levels remained significantly correlated with the apnea–hypopnea index and DI after controlling for covariates.ConclusionsThe present study demonstrated that a preferentially adaptive antioxidative response to hypoxia emerges, and the role of OSA with respect to inflammatory reaction is attenuated, in ischemic stroke patients with OSA.     

Association between dopaminergic medications and nocturnal sleep in early-stage Parkinson's disease

BackgroundPoor nocturnal sleep is common in Parkinson's disease (PD) and negatively impacts quality of life. There is little data on how dopaminergic drugs influence nocturnal sleep in PD, particularly in relation to medication timing. We examined the association between dopaminergic medications and subjective and objective nocturnal sleep in PD.MethodsIndividuals with PD were recruited from the outpatient clinic. Demographics and disease information were collected. Patients underwent one-night polysomnography and responded to SCOPA-SLEEP, a self-administered questionnaire which includes a section on nighttime sleep and an overall measure of sleep quality; higher scores indicate worse sleep. Medication intake, including medication timing in relation to bedtime, was obtained and converted to levodopa equivalents.Results41 Males and 21 females, median age 63.9 years, participated. Median disease duration was 5 years. After adjusting for age, sex, disease severity, and disease duration, greater total levodopa equivalent intake within 4 h of sleep was associated with higher total SCOPA-nighttime score (p = 0.009) and greater wake time after sleep onset (p = 0.049). Greater dopaminergic medication intake prior to sleep was also associated with less rapid eye movement (REM) sleep as a percent of total sleep time (p = 0.004).ConclusionsHigher amounts of dopaminergic medications taken prior to sleep were associated with poor sleep quality and less REM sleep. Although poor nocturnal sleep in PD is likely multi-factorial in etiology, our findings suggest that timing and dose of medications prior to sleep need to be considered in its management.     

Electrophysiological recording of nocturnal sleep and the multiple sleep latency test in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Polysomnographic studies were performed in 6 patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSA). The sleep study consisted of: electroencephalography, electromyography, electrooculography, electrocardiography, pulse oximetry and observation of respiration. During day multiple sleep latency tests were performed. In all patients fragmentation of sleep with prevalent stages 1. and 2. of NREM and occasionally deep sleep and REM phase were observed. Concomitantly with the appearance of electrophysiologic sleep stages the muscle tone decreased and episodes of obstructive apnoea occurred. The periods of sleep and apnoea alternated with wakefulness and breathing. In MSLF the mean latency was 3 +/- 2 min. In OSA syndrome episodes of obstructive sleep apnoea cause sleep fragmentation and prevalence of light sleep stages. Excessive daytime somnolence observed in this syndrome is caused by sleep disturbances. MSLT demonstrated pathologic hypersomnolence in OSA syndrome.     

Association between heart rate recovery and severity of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

BackgroundObstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is associated with autonomic dysfunction and metabolic abnormalities including obesity, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. Heart rate recovery at 1 min after exercise termination (HRR-1) is a marker of vagal tone. We hypothesized that patients with more severe OSAS would have a lower HRR-1, either due to the co-existing metabolic abnormalities or OSAS.MethodsSixty-three patients with untreated OSAS (49.2 ± 9.8 years) without glucose- or lipid-lowering or negatively chronotropic drugs underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing including HRR-1 measurement and assessment of several metabolic parameters. Patients with severe OSAS (apnea–hypopnea index [AHI] > 30 h⁻¹; n = 32) were compared to patients with mild to moderate OSAS (AHI 5–30 h⁻¹; n = 31).ResultsPatients with severe OSAS were more likely to be male (25 vs. 3%; p = 0.01) and to have hypertension (72 vs. 39%; p = 0.01); they also had higher fasting glucose (5.4 ± 0.5 vs. 5.1 ± 0.4 mmol/l; p = 0.016) and C-peptide [905 (651–1353) vs. 749 (597–919) pmol/l; p = 0.028] levels compared to patients with mild to moderate OSAS. The groups did not differ with respect to peak heart rate (p = 0.2) or peak oxygen consumption (p = 0.9), but HRR-1 was significantly lower in patients with severe OSAS compared to patients with mild and moderate OSAS [20 (15–25) vs. 24 (18–34) bpm; p = 0.022]. Higher AHI (p = 0.01) and lower peak heart rate (p = 0.02), but not body mass index or insulin resistance, were independently associated with lower HRR-1.ConclusionsThe severity of OSAS expressed as higher AHI is independently associated with lower HRR-1, a measure of autonomic dysfunction.     

Supine sleep and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in Parkinson's disease

ObjectiveSupine sleep is associated with increased obstructive sleep apnea. People with Parkinson's disease (PD) complain about difficulties turning around in bed. The relationship between supine sleep and sleep-disordered breathing has never been explored in people with Parkinson's disease.MethodsFifteen consecutive people with PD with severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) were compared to: (1) 15 age-matched, gender-matched, body mass index-matched and Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale-III score-matched people with PD without sleep-disordered breathing; (2) 11 age-matched and gender-matched people with severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) alone; and (3) 11 age-matched and gender-matched healthy controls. Outcomes were: number of position changes during the night and per hour of sleep, and the percentage of sleep time spent in supine.ResultsPeople with PD and severe OSAS spent most of their sleep time in the supine position (93 ± 11%); while people with PD without OSAS (61 ± 24%, p <0.001), people with isolated, severe OSAS (50 ± 28%, p <0.001), and the controls (40 ± 21, p <0.001) spent significantly less time on their back. People with PD and severe OSAS changed their position in bed per hour of sleep (0.4 ± 0.5) less frequently than those with PD without OSAS (1.1 ± 0.8, p = 0.002), those with isolated OSAS (1.2 ± 1.0, p = 0.006) and the controls (1.5 ± 0.5, p <0.001).ConclusionPD and severe OSAS are associated with a major reduction in the number of position changes and an increased supine sleep position during the night. For people with PD, alleviating the difficulties of turning around in bed might reduce the supine sleep position and improve sleep-disordered breathing.