earticle

영어

A novel intranasal thermal steam spray (ITSS) device is known to alleviate nasal stuffiness and partially improve sleep disorders. However, its effects on sleep quality, brain function, and exercise capacity, have not been investigated. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of a 4-week ITSS intervention on revariables in adults with irregular sleep patterns. A total of 20 participants aged 20-26 years had average ages, heights, weights, nasal congestion duration, and irregular sleep duration of 21.75 ± 1.74 years, 167.25 ± 8.68 cm, 70.21 ± 14.11 kg, 3.19 ± 0.71 years, and 3.16 ± 0.99 years, respectively. The participants were students residing in two different dormitories within the same university, with one dormitory designated for the control (CON) group and the other for the ITSS treatment group, randomly assigned. The CON group consisted of 10 participants (male: 5, female: 5), while the ITSS group also included 10 participants (male: 6, female: 4). ITSS utilizes Jet Stream technology to facilitate breathing by delivering 43°C thermal steam to the nasal cavity through an internal heating mechanism. The ITSS group used the device for 15 min, 3 times per week, 30 min before bedtime for 4 weeks. Following the intervention, sleep issues remained unchanged in the CON group but improved in the ITSS group, leading to a significant intergroup difference (p < 0.01). The sum scores of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index increased by 6.1% in the CON group, whereas it decreased by 37.3% in the ITSS group, with this difference being significant (p < 0.001). Sleep disturbances assessed via the VAS increased in the CON group but declined in the ITSS group, yielding statistically significant differences (p < 0.001). In the EEG analysis, Delta, α, and γ wave activity declined in the CON group but increased in the ITSS group, with these differences being significant (p < 0.05). Conversely, β wave activity increased by 35.7% in the CON group but decreased by 26.0% in the ITSS group, yielding a significant intergroup difference (p < 0.01). In terms of sensorimotor rhythm, the CON group exhibited a 21.6% increase, whereas the ITSS group experienced a 15.8% decrease, with the difference reaching statistical significance (p < 0.05). Maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) and maximal heart rate (HRmax) derived from cardiopulmonary exercise tests before and after the 4-week experiment decreased in the CON group, but increased in the ITSS group, showing a significant difference between the groups (p < 0.01). Conversely, maximal breathing reserve and the oxygen pulse (VO₂/HRmax) increased in the CON group but decreased in the ITSS group, with these differences being significant (p < 0.05), suggesting improved cardiovascular efficiency. Ultimately, ITSS not only induces a sensation of nasal expansion but also enhances perceived sleep quality by facilitating favorable neurocardiopulmonary adaptations.