Assessment of Effects of Carbon Dioxide Exposure on Sleep Stability in Insomnia Using the Envelope Analysis
- Author:
Hyoeun BAE
1
;
Insung PARK
;
Eun Yeon JOO
Author Information
- Publication Type:1
- From:Journal of Sleep Medicine 2024;21(1):44-50
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: Insomnia is a common sleep disorder, and various strategies have been explored for its treatment. One of the methods involves the administration of carbon dioxide (CO2) at bedtime, as the CO2 increment exerts a sedative effect on the central nervous system. We aimed to assess the effect of CO2 on sleep quality in patients with insomnia using the coefficient of variation of the envelope (CVE) analysis, a novel analytical method. Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled crossover trial, 24 adults with sleeping difficulties underwent level 1 polysomnography. Two interventions involved exposure to either 2% low-concentration CO2 gas or room air. CVE analysis was performed to assess the stability of the delta band. Morphological variations in delta waves can be quantitatively monitored using the envelope analysis, which assesses the effect of manipulations on sleep that may otherwise elude detection. Results: Exposure to CO2 improved the total sleep time (TST) (p=0.010) and total arousal index (TAI) (p=0.011). The CVE analysis showed a distinct distribution between the experimental and sham-controlled groups. Moreover, correlations between the TST and CVE (r=0.41) and those between the TAI and CVE (r=0.40) were observed. Conclusions: This study is the first to evaluate the effects of CO2 exposure on sleep stability in patients with insomnia. The CVE analysis implies the possibility of sleep stabilization by CO2 administration and suggests a link between enhanced sleep maintenance and sleep stability.
