Gamma Power of Electroencephalogram Arousal Is Modulated by Respiratory Event Type and Severity in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Objective:
We aimed to investigate the differences in electroencephalogram (EEG) gamma power (30–40 Hz) of respiratory arousals between varying types and severities of respiratory events, and in different sleep stages.
Methods:
Power spectral densities of EEG signals from diagnostic Type I polysomnograms of 869 patients with clinically suspected obstructive sleep apnea were investigated. Arousal gamma powers were compared between sleep stages, and between the type (obstructive apnea and hypopnea) and duration (10–20 s, 20–30 s, and >30 s) of the related respiratory event. Moreover, we investigated whether the presence of a ≥3% blood oxygen desaturation influenced the arousal gamma power.
Results:
Gamma power of respiratory arousals was the lowest in Stage R sleep and increased from Stage N1 towards Stage N3. Gamma power was higher when the arousals were caused by obstructive apneas compared to hypopneas. Moreover, arousal gamma power increased when the duration of the related apnea increased, whereas an increase in the hypopnea duration did not have a similar effect. Furthermore, respiratory events associated with desaturations increased the arousal gamma power more than respiratory events not associated with desaturations.
Conclusion:
Gamma power of respiratory arousals increased towards deeper sleep and as the severity of the related respiratory event increased in terms of type and duration of obstruction, and presence of desaturation.
Significance:
As increased gamma power might indicate a greater shift towards wakefulness, the present findings demonstrate that the respiratory arousal intensity and the magnitude of sleep disruption may vary depending on the event type and severity.