Retrospective Analysis of the relationship between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Nocturnal bradycardia

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a highly prevalent respiratory sleep disorder characterized by recurring apneic episodes during which the upper airway is obstructed (Mayo Clinic, 2023). Globally, approximately 900 million adults – ages 30 to 69 – have been diagnosed with OSA; 44% of whom have moderate to severe OSA (Teo et al., 2022). OSA patients show a relaxation of the pharyngeal muscles, a collection of skeletal muscles located posterior to the oral cavity, these muscles are essential for airway patency and support of the upper airway (Oliven et al., 2008). As a result, the airway narrows and may temporarily collapse, restricting ventilation while increasing respiratory drive as a compensatory mechanism (Jordan & White, 2007). Transient disturbances in airflow may be classified as either hypopnea or apnea. Hypopnea refers to airflow reduction of at least 30% and/or decrease in oxygen saturation of at least 3% for ten or more seconds. Apnea is a complete cessation in breathing for ten or more seconds (Berry et al., 2022). OSA symptoms may include but are not limited to: daytime fatigue, loud snoring episodes, abnormal breathing patterns, excessive night sweating, insomnia, headaches, and frequently waking up while gasping for breath (Slowik, 2022).