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Effect of Moderate Altitude (>1000 m.a.s.l.) on Sleep Examinations (Polysomnography).

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Healthy
Interventions
Diagnostic Test: Polysomnography
Registration Number
NCT05826808
Lead Sponsor
Tsogyal Latshang
Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of moderate altitude (\>1000 m.a.s.l.) on sleep examinations (polysomnography).

Detailed Description

Polysomnographies will be done for each participant for 2 consecutive nights at the sleep laboratory in Chur (CH; 600 m.a.s.l.) as well as for 2 consecutive nights at the participants home elevations (CH; \>1000 m.a.s.l.). Between the measurements at those two different altitudes there will be a two-week washout period at \>1000 m.a.s.l.. The sequence of altitude exposure will be randomized.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
44
Inclusion Criteria
  • Healthy (no current medical condition or intake of regular medication, except negligible medical issues or accidents not interfering with the current health status or physical performance.)
  • Living above 1000 m.a.s.l. since at least 1 year
  • No overnight stay at altitudes <1000 m.a.s.l. in the previous 4 weeks
  • 18-70 years old
  • Body mass index 18,5-30 kg/m2
  • informed consent
Exclusion Criteria
  • Active diseases or health related conditions that require treatment (sleep disorders (mainly sleep apnea), chronic rhinitis, cardiovascular and lung diseases)
  • Use of drugs that affect the respiratory center drive (sedatives, sleep inducing drugs, opioids), stimulants or illegal drugs
  • Regular consumption of recreational drugs (alcohol and nicotine included)

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
CROSSOVER
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
BPolysomnographyPolysomnographies will be done first for 2 nights at the participants home elevations (\>1000 m.a.s.l.). and after a two-week washout period for 2 nights at sleep laboratory in Chur (600 m.a.s.l.).
APolysomnographyPolysomnographies will be done first for 2 nights at the sleep laboratory in Chur (600 m.a.s.l.) and after a two-week washout period for 2 nights at the participants home elevations (\>1000 m.a.s.l.).
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
T90 (time spent in SpO2 below 90%)4 nights

T90 is the percent of sleeping time which the participant spent in SpO2 below 90%. It provides information about the duration and degree of hypoxia during the whole sleep.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
SWS (slow-wave sleep)4 nights

SWS includes the deep sleep phase. Deep sleep is amongst other important for energy restoration, immune system strengthening and regeneration of cells.

AI (arousal index)4 nights

AI is the number of arousals per hour of sleep, whereby an arousal is an interruption of sleep from 3-15 seconds. They prevent suffocation in the sleep apnea by interrupting breathing pauses but are also coupled with a lot of stress for the human body.

TcCO2 (partial pressure of carbon dioxide)4 nights

TcCO2 correlates with PaCO2 and is therefore a non-invasive alternative. A normal value of PCO2 lies between 35 and 45 mmHg. Lower values can lead to muscle cramps, abnormal heartbeat and much more.

WASO (wakefulness after sleep onset)4 nights

WASO is the time spent awake after sleep onset. High values of WASO are for example found in sleep apnea, insomnia and restless leg syndrome.

ODI (oxygen desaturation index)4 nights

ODI is defined as the number of oxygen decreases ≥3% per hour of sleep.

SpO2 (oxygen saturation)4 nights

SpO2 is the amount of haemoglobin bound to oxygen. Normal values lie above 95%. Values below 90% are considered as low and require treatment.

AHI (apnea-hypopnea index)4 nights

AHI is defined as the number of apneas and hypopneas per hour of sleep, whereby apnea is defined as a cessation of the airflow for ≥10 seconds, while hypopnea is defined as a reduction of the airflow ≥30% with an oxygen desaturation ≥3% or an arousal.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Kantonsspital Graubünden

🇨🇭

Chur, Switzerland

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