The physiological effects of high dose zopiclone in people with obstructive sleep apnoea

INTERVENTION: High dose zopiclone (15mg), each participant to receive zopiclone once, immediately before bed. Zopiclone to be taken orally in front of the investigator for this acute in‐laboratory study. 1 week washout between visits. CONDITION: Obstructive Sleep Apnoea PRIMARY OUTCOME: Change in sleep apnoea severity as measured by the apnoea hypopnoea index (AHI) SECONDARY OUTCOME: Genioglossus muscle activity during sleep (determined using fine wire electrodes) Respiratory arousal threshold (negative pharyngeal pressure immediately prior to arousal from sleep, using an epiglottic pressure catheter inserted via the nostril) Standard polysomnography variables (e.g. nadir SaO2, sleep efficiency, arousal index and sleep duration) INCLUSION CRITERIA: Otherwise healthy, men and women with obstructive sleep apnoea Patients who have a low respiratory arousal threshold (between zero and ‐15cmH2O epiglottic pressure just prior to arousal) as estimated from their baseline sleep study.