ABSTRACT
Up to one-third of the population may have some degree of abnormal breathing during sleep (1). Sleep fragmentation and microarousals unfavorably influence daytime energy levels, mood, and daytime function (2,3). Causes include the common cold, allergic and inflammatory nonallergic rhinitis, and hyperactive nasal posture reflexes with exaggerated nasal airflow obstruction when recumbent (4). Atopic dermatitis and asthma are also associated with disordered sleep breathing (DSB). Pharyngeal risk factors, such as obesity, chronic adenoid and tonsil hypertrophy, and excessive relaxation of the supraglottic musculature also promote closure of the nasal, pharyngeal, and laryngeal airways. These more severe airway obstruction syndromes may affect 2% to 4% of the populace. The links between different phenotypes of rhinitis and sleep disturbances will be discussed by beginning with the effects of inflammation on normal sleep patterns, classifications of sleep pathology, pathophysiological mechanisms, and diagnostic and treatment regimens.
