Research progress on the effect of opioids on obstructive sleep apnea

VernacularTitle:阿片类药物对阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停的影响研究进展
Author: Jingzi SUN ¹ ; Weiying LIU ; Aoyan HU ; Bahu BAO ; Yucai YE ; Guorong CHEN
Author Information

1. 兰州大学第一临床医学院,兰州 730030,甘肃
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: obstructive sleep apnea; opioids
From: Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2025;30(1):125-130
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: Obstructive sleep apnea(OSA)is a dis-order characterized by chronic intermittent hypoxia and sleep fragmentation,usually manifested by ob-struction of the upper respiratory tract,resulting in sleep fragmentation,intermittent hypoxia,and hy-percapnia.OSA and significant comorbidities are as-sociated with perioperative complications.Opioids,as the most commonly used pain relievers,may fur-ther affect perioperative pain management in OSA and comorbidities.Studies have shown that OSA patients are more susceptible to the respiratory de-pressant effects of opioids.OSA also increases the risk of opioid-induced respiratory depression.There-fore,understanding the effects and mechanisms of opioids on OSA has important clinical significance for optimizing drug use,improving prognosis,and reducing respiratory adverse events.This article aims to review the effects of opioids on OSA and their relationship.