Effects of naloxone on upper airway collapsibility in normal sleeping subjects.

Abstract

To evaluate the possible influence of endorphin release on upper airway collapsibility the effects of naloxone, an opiate receptor antagonist, were measured. The effects of naloxone on upper airway collapsibility were studied in five normal sleeping men in a pilot study. During a sleep fragmentation night the subjects received either naloxone or a volume matched saline placebo in a double blind crossover design. Critical pressure (Pcrit) was measured during a morning nap following sleep fragmentation. The plasma levels of endorphins increased during sleep fragmentation nights. Pcrit was significantly greater after placebo than after naloxone infusion. Naloxone may reduce upper airway collapsibility in normal sleeping subjects following sleep fragmentation.