In a study of 24 people, ages 18-65 years, researchers report that swallowing and reflex airway closure-- essential defense mechanisms for the lungs--were associated with sudden surges in heart rate and blood pressure during sleep and tended to coincide with spontaneous arousal from sleep, suggesting that swallowing and airway closure can interrupt sleep and trigger tachycardia in healthy adults, according to the authors.
Article #19-07393: "Nocturnal swallowing augments arousal intensity and arousal tachycardia," by Peter G. R. Burke et al.
MEDIA CONTACT: Peter G. R. Burke, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, AUSTRALIA; tel: +61-477-883-712; e-mail: p.burke@neura.edu.au
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Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences