Middle latency auditory evoked potentials in sleep apneics during waking and as a function of arterial oxygen saturation during apneas.

In adults with obstructive sleep apnea middle latency auditory evoked responses were recorded as a function of apnea-related arterial oxygen desaturation both before sleep onset and during nocturnal sleep. In waking, wave Pa latency was normal in five of six subjects, and Pa amplitude was normal in all. During sleep apneas, wave Pa remained stable even during intervals of severe oxygen desaturation (e.