Modulation of the ultradian human nasal cycle by sleep stage and body position

Abstract

Objective: The nasal cycle, which is present in a significant number of people, is an ultradian side-to-side rhythm of nasal engorgement associated with cyclic autonomic activity. We studied the nasal cycle during REM/non-REM sleep stages and examined the potentially confounding influence of body position on lateralized nasal airflow. Methods: Left- and right-side nasal airflow was measured in six subjects during an eight-hour sleep period using nasal thermistors. Polysomnography was performed. Simultaneously, body positions were monitored using a video camera in conjunction with infrared lighting. Results: Significantly greater airflow occurred through the right nasal chamber (relative to the left) during periods of REM sleep than during periods of non-REM sleep (p<0.001). Both body position (p < 0.001) and sleep stage (p < 0.001) influenced nasal airflow lateralization. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the lateralization of nasal airflow and sleep stage are related. Some types of asymmetrical somatosensory stimulation can alter this relationship.

The nasal cycle: a comprehensive review

“…Rohrmeier found that in normal conditions, NC period, amplitude and duration are significantly greater during sleep than during wakefulness (66) . A relationship between the rhythms of the NC and sleep stage has been confirmed by Frye (67) . Recently, Ozturk observed that sleep efficiency, NREM stage III, and total sleep duration were greater during left nasal obstruction (right nostril dominant respiration), while apneahypopnea-index, frequency of periodic limb movements, and oxygen desaturation were higher during right nasal obstruction (left nostril dominant respiration) (68) .…”