Sleep-Related Deglutition in Children

Abstract

Objectives: Clearance of the pharynx by deglutition is important in protecting the airway. The pattern of deglutition during sleep was investigated in children. Methods: Ten normal human children (8.6 ± 2.9 years) were examined via time-matched recordings of polysomnography and of surface electromyography (EMG) of the thyrohyoid and suprahyoid muscles. Results: During sleep, deglutition was episodic, and it was absent for long periods. The mean number of swallows per hour (±SD) during the total sleep time was 2.8 ± 1.7 per hour. The mean period of the longest absence of deglutition was 59.7 ± 20.3 minutes. Most deglutition occurred in association with spontaneous electroencephalographic arousal in rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM sleep. Deglutition was related to sleep stage. The mean number of swallows per hour was 27.4 ± 27.4 during stage 1 sleep, 3.1 ± 3.5 during stage 2 sleep, 2.8 ± 3.3 during stage 3 sleep, and 0.9 ± 0.8 during stage 4 sleep. The deeper the sleep stage became, the lower the mean deglutition frequency became. The mean number of swallows per hour was 2.2 ± 2.1 during REM sleep. The EMG amplitude dropped to the lowest level of recording during REM sleep. Conclusions: Deglutition, a vital function, is infrequent during sleep in children.