Ricerc@Sapienza

Migraine and sleep disorders are common and often burdensome chronic conditions with a high prevalence in the general population, and with considerable socio-economic impact and costs. The existence of a relationship between migraine and sleep disorders has been recognized from centuries by clinicians and epidemiological studies. Nevertheless, the exact nature of this association, the underlying mechanisms and interactions are complex and not completely understood.

Background: Sleep-related breathing disorders (SRDB) are a group of pathological conditions characterized by a dysfunction of the upper airways. The value of SRDB’s prevalence, in the pediatric population, ranges from 2 to 11% depending on the different methodologies used in measure and the difficulties in the diagnosis. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of SRDB using the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ).

Study objectives: To assess spindle activity as possible markers for neurocognitive consequences in children with mild obstructive sleep apnea. Methods: Children aged 6–11 years diagnosed with mild OSA (i.e., an apnea hypopnea index

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common disorder characterized by repeated episodes of upper airways collapse during the sleep. The following intermittent hypoxia triggers a state of chronic inflammation, which also interests the nervous system leading to neuronal damage and increased risk of cognitive impairment. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a growth factor often associated with neuroplasticity and neuroprotection whose levels increase in several condition associated with neuronal damage.

Purpose: Different authors have reported that aging could be associated with changes in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) related parameters (apnea/hypopnea index, SpO2, reduction of daytime sleepiness, etc.), type of sleep and pattern of collapse. Regarding OSA severity in elderly patients, it is commonly believed that the AHI score tends to increase with aging.

Comment the observations on our paper entitled ‘Aging efect on sleepiness and apneas severity in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: a meta-analysis study. As it appears
clearly, this was a meta-analysis study carried out to evaluate the perception of sleepiness and its severity comparing over and under 65-year-old patients sufering from obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA).