Minerva medica
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Sleep has effects on breathing, including changes in respiratory control, airways resistance and muscular contractility. These sleep-related modifications in the respiratory system do not induce adverse effects in healthy subjects, but may cause problems in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Hypo-ventilation causes the most important gas-exchange alteration during sleep in COPD patients, leading to hypercapnia and hypoxemia, especially during rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep. ⋯ Nocturnal oximetry is recommended to evaluate gas exchange during sleep in COPD patients. Sleep studies are usually indicated when there is a possibility of sleep apnea or obesity-hypoventilation syndrome. The role of non-invasive mechanical ventilation in managing COPD patients with nocturnal hypoventilation is discussed.