Age and Gender Related Changes in Motor Control of the Upper Airway Muscle Genioglossus During Sleep

阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停（OSA）是睡眠期间气道的反复阻塞。阻塞的发生是因为上呼吸道的肌肉在吸气期间不能保持呼吸道开放。这种疾病与心血管疾病以及认知和行为障碍有关。这种疾病在老年人中的发病率增加，导致与年龄有关的健康和行为问题。然而，与年龄有关的变化在男性和女性中有所不同。我们认为老年人OSA的高患病率是由于上呼吸道肌肉活动的年龄和性别相关变化。我们将研究上呼吸道颏舌肌的行为在睡眠中的年轻人，中年人和老年人的男性和女性。

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is the repetitive obstruction of the airway during sleep. Obstructions occur because muscles of the upper airway fail to keep the airway open during inspiration. The disorder is associated with cardiovascular disease and cognitive and behavioural impairment. The prevalence of the disorder increases in older adults, contributing to age-related health and behavioural problems. However, age-related changes differ in men and women. We believe the high prevalence of OSA in older adults is due to age and gender related changes in the activity of muscles in the upper airway. We will study the behaviour of the upper airway muscle genioglossus during sleep in young, middle-aged and older men and women.