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Nasal cannula may be viable treatment for sufferers of sleep apnea

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that nasal insufflation using a nasal cannula significantly reduced symptoms in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and hypopnea. The treatment, known as TNI, delivered warm, humidified air at a high flow rate, showing marked improvements in patients with both mild and severe disorders.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJul 16, 2007

Government fails sleepy Judge Dodd

Research Australia's Woolcock Institute study highlights occupational sleepiness in white-collar workplaces, including courts and hospitals. The report emphasizes the need for active monitoring and screening to treat sleep disorders, preventing situations like Judge Dodd's cancelled driver's licence.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalSLEEP·DateMay 1, 2007

Obstructive sleep apnea patients show silent brain infarction lesions

Research suggests that obstructive sleep apnea patients with moderate to severe disease are at higher risk for stroke due to silent brain infarction lesions. The use of continuous positive airway pressure therapy has been shown to lower markers of platelet activation and reduce the incidence of subsequent ischemic brain lesions.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 15, 2007

Fluid displacement from legs to neck can lead to obstructive sleep apnea

Research found that fluid displacement from the legs to the neck can narrow soft tissue around the throat and increase airflow resistance in healthy individuals, predisposing them to obstructive sleep apnea. The study involved measuring leg fluid volume, neck circumference, and airflow resistance in 11 non-obese subjects, with results ...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateDec 15, 2006

Updated sleep apnea screening recommended for commercial drivers

The American College of Chest Physicians, along with the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine and the National Sleep Foundation, has released updated recommendations for screening and managing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators. The guidelines aim to identify drivers at h...

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateSep 12, 2006

Mayo clinic discovers new type of sleep apnea

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have identified a new type of sleep apnea called complex sleep apnea, which is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apneas. Complex sleep apnea patients often appear to have obstructive sleep apnea but do not fully respond to CPAP machines.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalSLEEP·DateSep 1, 2006

Penn researchers find many commercial drivers have impaired performance due to lack of sleep

A study by Penn researchers found that truck drivers who get too little sleep or suffer from sleep apnea show signs of fatigue and impaired performance. The study examined 406 truck drivers and found that those with severe sleep apnea had performance impairment similar to that of drivers who are legally drunk.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 15, 2006

Study reveals sleepiness and performance impairment in commercial drivers

A study of 340 drivers found that chronic short sleep duration and severe sleep apnea increase the risk of sleepiness, performance impairment, and decreased task vigilance while driving. The researchers suggest that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration should implement plans to identify and treat sleep-impaired drivers.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 15, 2006

Sleep apnea treatment benefits the heart

A study found that sleep apnea treatment improved the shape and pumping action of the heart, reducing high blood pressure and daytime sleepiness. Treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices also reduced cardiovascular risks and improved overall health outcomes in patients.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 30, 2006

Too much or too little sleep increases diabetes risk

Research published in Diabetes Care found that men who slept between five and six hours per night were twice as likely to develop diabetes. Long sleep duration, on the other hand, increased the risk by three times. The study also highlights the importance of finding mechanisms by which long sleep duration contributes to diabetes risk.

SourceYale University·JournalDiabetes Care·DateMar 24, 2006

Drug cuts sleep apnea in heart failure patients

A double-blind study found that acetazolamide significantly improved patient perception of sleep quality and reduced daytime fatigue in heart failure patients with sleep apnea. The medication showed promise in reducing sleep-related breathing disorders, which may also improve cardiac function.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 15, 2006

Body position affects sleep apnea among young children

A retrospective chart review of 60 children aged three and younger found that supine sleep increases respiratory disturbance index (RDI) and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) episodes. The study highlights the importance of considering body position in diagnosing and managing sleep disorders in pediatric patients.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateNov 21, 2005

Toddlers with sleep apnea suffer more respiratory problems while sleeping on their backs

A study published in Archives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery found that toddlers with sleep apnea are more likely to experience respiratory problems when sleeping on their backs. The research contradicts previous findings, suggesting that body position may play a role in the severity of OSAS in young children.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateNov 21, 2005

Sleep apnea and death association point to need to examine treatments, modify devices

Studies on central and obstructive sleep apnea suggest that current treatments may not be effective in preventing deaths from heart disease. The findings emphasize the importance of finding better treatments and devices for central sleep apnea. Researchers recommend re-examining treatment approaches to improve patient outcomes and redu...

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 9, 2005

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for September 2005 (first issue)

Children with asthma are at significantly greater risk for serious airway constriction if their fathers have a history of the disease. A 5-year study found paternal asthma strongly associated with childhood airway hyperresponsiveness, a defining feature of asthma. In contrast, maternal asthma showed no correlation.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateSep 1, 2005

Severe sleep apnea may be a risk factor for liver damage

A study published in Hepatology found that severe sleep apnea is a risk factor for liver damage, independent of body mass index. Patients with severe sleep apnea had higher levels of insulin resistance and fatty liver disease, suggesting a link between obstructive sleep apnea and the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateMay 25, 2005