Respiratory Roles of Genioglossus, Sternothyroid, and Sternohyoid Muscles During Sleep

We examined the respiratory activity of the genioglossus, sternothyroid, and sternohyoid muscles of the rat during nonrapid eye movement (non-REM) and REM sleep. Each animal carried implanted electrodes for recording the integrated EMG activity of respiratory muscles, the postural tone (EMG), and electrocortical activity (polygraphic identification of sleep-waking states). The three upper airway muscles exhibited inspiratory activity during non-REM sleep while rats breathed ambient air. Curled up postures promoted inspiratory activity of genioglossus and sternothyroid muscles, an effect enhanced by CO2 breathing but reduced by hypoxic breathing. During REM sleep, genioglossus and sternothyroid muscles lost their activity but the sternohyoid muscles retained their inspiratory activity. We conclude that the genioglossus and sternothyroid muscles contribute to upper airway patency during non-REM sleep, an effect CO2 augments but hypoxia reduces. The sternohyoid muscles have at least two functions during both sleep states: they contribute to maintenance of upper airway patency and to rib cage fixation, thereby optimizing the ventilatory action of the diaphragm.