Psychosocial stress of isolation: new perspectives on the origins of sleep apnea and exploration of treatment options

Richard Kinkead and Natalie Michael, Université Laval Sleep apnea (SA) is a respiratory disorder affecting ~26% of Canadians. SA causes frequent breathing stops, and over time, these repeated choking episodes disrupt sleep and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and obesity. For many patients, abnormal relaxation of the throat muscles during sleep blocks the passage of air. This problem stems from a dysfunction of the neurons that control the respiratory muscles. Since stress disrupts the brain, this project explores the idea that prolonged social stress disrupts respiratory neurons and increases sleep apnea in rats. To do this, we will use chronic social isolation (SI) stress and measure its impact on breathing during sleep. SA is ~2 times more prevalent in men than women, but becomes more frequent during menopause. Therefore, this study considers the impact of gender on respiratory problems. For the neurological component, the project will then study a population of neurons in the hypothalamus that regulate the stress response and cardiorespiratory and metabolic functions, all functions affected by SI as well as SA. We propose that overactivation of these neurons following SI stress contributes to more frequent apneas. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the impact of SI on physical and mental health. Considering the importance of SA and SI-related disorders, this study has never been more relevant, as to date, no medication can effectively treat SA. Our approach involves new hypotheses regarding the causes of this important respiratory disease and considers the importance of sex in the development and treatment of the disease. This approach aims to develop new targeted treatments and thus improve the quality of life of patients.