Sleep Apnea

Secondhand smoke independently disrupts children’s sleep

A recent study by Ben-Gurion University found that secondhand smoke directly disrupts children's sleep patterns, causing significant poor sleep quality and increased fragmentation. The research used objective data and biological markers to demonstrate the toxic effects of tobacco smoke on pediatric sleep, independent of airway blockages.

Rethinking the one-night sleep study

A single night of sleep testing is insufficient for an accurate diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), according to a new study published in npj Digital Medicine. The research found that analyzing sleep patterns over multiple nights can provide a more accurate picture of the condition.

Rural patients at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea are less likely to be referred for evaluation than urban patients

A new study found that rural patients at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea are less likely to be referred for evaluation than urban patients, even after adjusting for socioeconomic factors. Rural patients had a 25% lower odds of receiving a referral compared to urban patients.

Women with sleep apnea report greater symptom burden than men

A new study found that women with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea reported worse symptoms, including sleep disturbance, fatigue, anxiety, and cognitive function, compared to men. The study suggests that current algorithms for diagnosing and treating sleep apnea may not consider the broader range of symptoms women experience.

Study reveals new target for treating sleep apnea

A new target for treating sleep apnea has been identified through a study in mice, showing that the farnesoid X receptor plays a central role in driving fatty plaque buildup during sleep apnea-like conditions. The study found that removing this receptor resulted in reduced fatty plaques and minimization of gut microbiome disruptions.

Commonly prescribed medication for sleep problems raises alarm bells

A clinical trial found that low-dose quetiapine improved sleep quality and reduced obstructive sleep apnea severity, but significantly impaired alertness and driving performance. The study highlights the need for caution when using sedating medications for insomnia in people with known or possible sleep apnea.

Positional therapy offers lasting benefits for most positional OSA patients

Researchers found that positional therapy leads to long-term behavior changes and improvement for patients with positional OSA. More than two-thirds of patients continued side-sleeping behavior even after stopping therapy, suggesting a potentially self-maintained therapeutic effect.

Which patients benefit most from tirzepatide GLP-1 for obesity and OSA?

Researchers identified a subgroup of patients who experience nearly twice the improvement in sleep apnea when treated with tirzepatide GLP-1. These strong responders have distinct characteristics, including severe upper-airway collapsibility and breathing control instability. The study aims to provide personalized treatment options for...

Mount Sinai experts to present new research on AI model that predicts lung nodule risk, impact of air pollution during pregnancy, and more at ATS 2026 International Conference

Experts from Mount Sinai will present a new AI model that predicts lung nodule risk and assesses the impact of air pollution during pregnancy. The researchers also explore cognitive consequences of sleep-disordered breathing and reevaluate asthma guidelines to integrate both conditions.

Once-nightly pill treats causes of airway collapse to control OSA

AD109, a new oral pill, successfully controlled obstructive sleep apnea by addressing its underlying mechanisms and preventing airway collapse. The drug showed significant improvements in breathing interruptions, oxygen levels, and disease severity category.

Study shows for benefits on obesity-linked conditions of losing more weight with GLP-1 treatment

Study finds that sleep apnea may be widespread — and often underdiagnosed or undertreated — among former professional football players

A recent study found that nearly 69% of former professional football players may have sleep apnea, with many cases going undiagnosed. Untreated sleep apnea is linked to worse mental, cognitive, and physical health outcomes among former athletes.

Implanted nerve stimulation for obstructive sleep apnea found to be safe and effective in new trial

A new trial found that proximal hypoglossal nerve stimulation (pHGNS) significantly reduced breathing interruptions during sleep and improved daytime sleepiness without adverse events. The therapy, an FDA-approved alternative to nasal positive airway pressure, was found to be safe and effective in patients with moderate-to-severe obstr...

Not just snoring: Obstructive sleep apnea damages muscles

A new study reveals a significant link between obstructive sleep apnea and skeletal muscle quality, indicating an increased risk of muscle deterioration with aging. Researchers found that people with obstructive sleep apnea have lower skeletal muscle density and a higher skeletal muscle index than those without the condition.

Mount Sinai researchers develop machine learning model to predict how CPAP affects cardiovascular disease risk in patients with obstructive sleep apnea

Researchers developed an analytic tool using machine learning to predict how CPAP affects cardiovascular disease risk in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. The study found significant variation in treatment response across the cohort, identifying subgroups who benefited or were harmed by the therapy.

Sleep patterns may reveal hidden heart risks

Research from Flinders University finds that people with sleep apnea who experience dramatic night-to-night breathing problems are 30% more likely to have a heart attack or stroke. The studies suggest that repeated changes in oxygen levels and sleep disruption can quietly stress the heart and blood vessels over time.

Study shows association between obstructive sleep apnea, all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events

A new study found that adults with obstructive sleep apnea have a 71% higher risk of cardiovascular events or death from any cause compared to those without the condition. People with OSA also experience higher rates of obesity, diabetes, osteoarthritis, anxiety, and depression.

Is your brain aging faster than you are? Sleep may hold the key

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that analyzing fine-scale patterns in brain waves during sleep can provide insights into brain health. The research suggests that sudden large spikes on EEG, known as kurtosis, are associated with a lower risk of dementia.

Research shows that changes in breathing may be linked to hypertension

Researchers discovered that changes in breathing patterns, specifically strong abdominal muscle contractions during exhalation, can trigger hypertension. Targeting neurons in the lateral parafacial region, a potential therapeutic approach to treat hypertension has been identified.

Evaluating the effects of hypnotics for insomnia in obstructive sleep apnea

Researchers evaluated 12 hypnotic medications on sleep architecture and respiratory function in adults with obstructive sleep apnea. The study found that while some medications worsened respiratory outcomes, others showed no significant effects, highlighting the need for individualized treatment.

Half of newborns with severe spina bifida have trouble breathing during sleep

Researchers discovered that 53% of newborns with myelomeningocele had sleep-disordered breathing, highlighting the need for routine screening and early intervention to prevent long-term complications. The study's findings suggest that addressing sleep disorders in high-risk infants could meaningfully improve their neurodevelopment.

International research team calls for age-specific approach to sleep apnea in older adults

A comprehensive review highlights the need for individualized approaches to OSA in older adults, considering distinct physiological changes that may alter how OSA develops and responds to therapy. The authors emphasize prioritizing symptom burden and patient-centered goals over traditional thresholds.

Obstructive sleep apnoea may cost UK + US economies billions in lost productivity

A study suggests that obstructive sleep apnea affects around 1 in 5 adults in both countries, resulting in significant annual productivity loss. The estimated total annual productivity loss in the USA could be as high as US$180.2 billion, with an annual productivity loss of $3727 for each worker affected.

Children with sleep apnea face higher risk of flu and COVID-19, new study finds

A new study by Dr. Alex Gileles-Hillel and colleagues found that children with sleep apnea are twice as likely to contract the flu or COVID-19. The researchers suggest prioritizing annual vaccinations for these children to prevent severe respiratory complications.

Clinical trial of early morning shift workers shows promise of new drug for reducing excessive sleepiness

A new clinical trial found that solriamfetol helped early morning shift workers with shift work disorder stay more alert and report better overall functioning. The study, published in NEJM Evidence, enrolled 78 early-morning shift workers and showed significant improvement in sleepiness and daily activities after four weeks of treatment.

Breathing disruptions during sleep widespread in newborns with severe spina bifida

A study finds that nearly half of newborns with severe spina bifida experience breathing problems during sleep, which can be detected through comprehensive sleep studies. Early treatment may significantly improve cognitive development in these high-risk infants.

Improving sleep isn’t enough: researchers highlight daytime function as key to assessing insomnia treatments

Researchers developed a smartphone-based assessment approach to detect improvements in daytime insomnia symptoms, detecting treatment effects more powerfully than traditional methods. The new method leverages real-time, multimethod assessment and shows potential for personalizing sleep medicine care.

Mobile technology revolutionizes the diagnosis of sleep apnea after a stroke

A new smartphone-based system can accurately diagnose sleep apnea in stroke patients, identifying 67% of those with moderate to severe apnea. The portable tool uses sensors and digital biomarkers to monitor breathing, oxygenation, and body position during the night.

Obstructive sleep apnea risk and mental health conditions among older adults

A national longitudinal cohort study found consistently worse mental health outcomes among middle-aged and older adults at high risk of obstructive sleep apnea. Integrated screening and intervention strategies are needed to address this association.

New study links untreated sleep apnea to premature cardiovascular aging and increased mortality

A new study finds that untreated obstructive sleep apnea accelerates cardiovascular aging, leading to higher mortality rates. Researchers used a long-term mouse model to demonstrate the chronic physiological stress created by sleep apnea fundamentally alters cardiovascular structure and function.

University of Houston engineers: While melatonin puts us to sleep, it wakes up plants

University of Houston engineers have discovered that melatonin helps plants grow by adjusting biological processes to coincide with daily cycles. The hormone also enhances photosynthesis and improves stress tolerance in crops.

New study overturns assumptions about AFib treatment in sleep apnea patients

A new Tulane University study suggests that catheter ablation delivers major benefits for patients diagnosed with both atrial fibrillation and obstructive sleep apnea, significantly lowering the risks of heart failure and death. The study found a 40% drop in major cardiovascular events and a 70% decline in all-cause mortality.

Insomnia combined with sleep apnea is associated with worse memory in older women

Older adults with comorbid insomnia and sleep apnea demonstrated worse verbal memory performance than those with sleep apnea alone. Women showed a significant association between COMISA and worse verbal memory outcomes, while men did not. This finding suggests a potential hidden sleep-related pathway to cognitive decline in women.

Untreated sleep apnea raises risk of Parkinson’s, study finds

A new study examining millions of electronic health records suggests a strong link between untreated obstructive sleep apnea and an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Researchers found that those with untreated sleep apnea were nearly twice as likely to develop Parkinson's as those who treated it with CPAP.

Higher blood pressure more common with combined sleep problems

A study of nearly 4,000 middle-aged adults found that combined sleep apnea and insomnia increase the risk of uncontrolled hypertension. The strongest risk factor was identified as the combination of both conditions, with 10.2% of participants experiencing high blood pressure.

How Mayo Clinic experts are using AI to better detect sleep apnea, especially in women

Researchers created an AI algorithm that can identify obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) using ECG test results, making it faster and cheaper to spot the condition. The innovation reveals a higher visibility of OSA on ECG in females compared to males, suggesting they may suffer more cardiovascular damage.

Groundbreaking review reveals how gut microbiota influences sleep disorders through the brain-gut axis

A comprehensive review synthesizes current insights into the intricate connections between gut microbiota and sleep regulation, highlighting the crucial role of peripheral organs in modulating brain function and behavior. Disruptions in gut microbiota composition are closely linked to sleep disturbances across multiple disorders.

New guideline establishes clinical recommendations for sleep apnea in hospitalized adults

The new guideline provides clinical recommendations for managing obstructive sleep apnea in medically hospitalized adults, emphasizing the importance of systematic approaches to diagnosis and treatment. The guidelines support continued existing treatment while in the hospital, with options including PAP therapy, oral appliance therapy,...

New guideline provides treatment recommendations for central sleep apnea

The new clinical practice guideline addresses the complex form of sleep-disordered breathing, prioritizing quality of life and functional outcomes. It recommends six treatment options, including adaptive servo ventilation, transvenous phrenic nerve stimulation, and continuous positive airway pressure.

New Marshall University study highlights how sleep apnea accelerates cellular aging and cardiometabolic decline

A new review published in Sleep Medicine Reviews sheds light on the biological mechanisms behind obstructive sleep apnea's effects on heart disease, diabetes, and other age-related conditions. OSA-induced stressors trigger cellular senescence, accelerating molecular aging.

Higher levels of air pollution linked to worsening of sleep apnea

A multi-national study found that higher levels of air pollution are linked to worse symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in European patients. The study revealed a modest but measurable increase in the apnoea hypopnea index (AHI) for every one unit increase in PM10 concentration.

Mount Sinai receives $3.32 million grant to study new tool that predicts effectiveness of obstructive sleep apnea

Researchers at Mount Sinai are developing an AI-based predictive tool that can analyze complex sleep study data to predict cardiovascular event risk and treatment response among individuals with obstructive sleep apnea. The findings could help clinicians make more informed recommendations about OSA treatment for their patients.

Breathing device could have profound impact on survival for people with sleep apnoea and type 2 diabetes

A 14-year study highlights the importance of diagnosing and treating obstructive sleep apnea in people with type 2 diabetes. The research suggests that continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment can reduce mortality risk by up to 26%.

AASM introduces new patient-reported outcome tool for sleep apnea

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has developed a patient-reported outcome tool called PLATO to monitor treatment response in adults with obstructive sleep apnea. The 11-item questionnaire assesses patients' sleep-related experiences and is validated through strong internal consistency and test-retest reliability.

Weekend habits linked to new sleep disorder trend: ‘Social Apnea’

Researchers from Flinders University found a consistent increase in Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) severity on weekends, driven by lifestyle choices and irregular sleep patterns. Maintaining a regular sleep routine is crucial to combat social apnea, which can lead to serious health conditions like heart disease, depression, and dementia.

Ancient practice of blowing through a conch shell could help to treat dangerous snoring condition

A small randomized controlled trial found that blowing through a conch shell for six months reduced symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, including daytime sleepiness and breathing interruptions. The study suggests that conch blowing may be a simple, low-cost alternative to traditional treatments like CPAP.

Treatment for sleep apnoea is good for the heart in some patients but bad for others

Research finds CPAP lowers cardiovascular risk by 17% in patients with high-risk OSA, but may increase risk by 22% in those without high-risk OSA. The study suggests a more personalized approach to treating OSA, focusing on patients with high-risk features.

Treatment for obstructive sleep apnea lowers heart risk for some patients, increases risk for others

A personalized approach to recommending CPAP machines for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may decrease adverse cardiovascular events. However, CPAP use can also increase cardiovascular risk for those with low-risk OSA markers.

Research Spotlight: Investigating the safety and efficacy of a hypoglossal nerve stimulator in young children with Down syndrome

Researchers found the treatment to be safe in all 29 children, with no serious adverse events. The device showed striking reductions in sleep apnea events, with over 95% of children achieving an OAHI reduction of more than 50%. This study provides hope for parents and offers implications for FDA approval and future trials.

$10M PCORI funding award will fuel study of sleep apnea in people with Down syndrome

Researchers at the University of Arizona Health Sciences will use a precision medicine approach to increase the effectiveness of sleep apnea treatment in people with Down syndrome. The study aims to evaluate the combination of two medications, atomoxetine and oxybutynin, for OSA in individuals with Down syndrome.

UM School of Medicine research reveals alarming health and resource burden of sleep apnea among U.S. active-duty military

A new study by the University of Maryland School of Medicine found that soldiers with sleep apnea are at increased risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury compared to those without the condition. The study also shows a higher risk of musculoskeletal injuries among service members with sleep apnea.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Mount Sinai experts present research at SLEEP 2025

Researchers from the Mount Sinai Health System are presenting new studies on the impact of sleep on neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The studies explore the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and Alzheimer's pathogenesis, as well as the effects of sleep disruption on spatial learning and neuroinflammation.

Comorbid obesity and sleep apnea treatment preferences differ among patients and providers

A new study found that patients lean towards tirzepatide, while sleep medicine professionals favour continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP) to treat comorbid obesity and obstructive sleep apnea. Results show a significant difference in treatment preferences between patients and providers.

Social media fad of nighttime mouth taping to treat mouth breathing may pose serious risks

A systematic review of 10 studies found no evidence that mouth taping helps treat sleep-disordered breathing or obstructive sleep apnea. However, mouth taping may be associated with some improvement in mild obstructive sleep apnea severity in a subset of patients.

Viral mouth-taping trend ‘sus’ says Canadian sleep expert

A study published in PLOS One found that mouth taping carries serious health risks, particularly among individuals with sleep-disordered breathing and obstructive sleep apnea. The trend, popularized by social media influencers, can worsen existing respiratory issues and increase the risk of suffocation.

Climate change increases severity of obstructive sleep apnea

A new study published at the ATS 2025 International Conference found that rising temperatures are associated with a 45% increased likelihood of obstructive sleep apnea. The study suggests that climate change will increase the societal burden of OSA, which is expected to double in most countries over the next 75 years.

Wearable sensor could be used to monitor OSA treatment response

A new wearable sensor has been shown to effectively monitor obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treatment response, offering a bridge between consumer wearables and medical devices. The device provides continuous data collection and connects to an app for patients and healthcare providers to share information and make informed decisions.

Sleep apnea during REM sleep linked to memory-related brain changes

Research found that obstructive sleep apnea, especially during REM sleep, is linked to cognitive decline due to damage to the small blood vessels in the brain and downstream impact on memory-related brain regions. Higher oxygen levels during sleep were associated with lower white matter hyperintensities.

Sleep matters: Duration, timing, quality and more may affect cardiovascular disease risk

A new American Heart Association scientific statement emphasizes the importance of multidimensional sleep health in reducing cardiometabolic risks. The statement reviews evidence on the relationship between sleep and various health factors, including body fat, blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure.

Marshall researchers explore gut microbiota’s role in sleep apnea in new review published in Sleep Medicine

A new review from Marshall University researchers highlights emerging connections between gut health and sleep apnea, pointing to potential new therapeutic approaches for managing this common disorder. Alterations in gut microbiota composition have been consistently observed in individuals with sleep apnea, inducing systemic inflammati...