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AASM publishes clinical practice guideline on use of PAP therapy for sleep apnea

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine published a clinical practice guideline for the use of positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults. The guideline provides nine recommendations, including the use of PAP therapy as a first-line treatment for OSA in adults with excessive sleepiness.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateFeb 18, 2019

Sleep apnea could favor tumor growth at young ages

A scientific study has found that sleep apnea can favor lung cancer growth in young individuals, suggesting that age may play a role in the disease's aggressiveness. The research team hopes to identify and prove physiopathological consequences of sleep apnea to develop personalized medicine strategies.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateSep 12, 2018

Obstructive sleep apnea linked with higher risk of gout

A study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology found that people with obstructive sleep apnea have a higher risk of developing gout. The risk was highest one to two years after diagnosis and was seen in patients with normal body mass index, regardless of weight status.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateAug 30, 2018

New study links poor sleep quality to atrial fibrillation

A recent study has found that poor sleep quality is an independent risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF), which can lead to symptoms like heart palpitations and shortness of breath. The researchers also discovered that disruptions in sleep patterns, such as reduced REM sleep, predict a higher risk of AF.

SourceElsevier·JournalHeart Rhythm·DateJun 26, 2018

Study points to risk of future sleep breathing problems in college football players

A recent study suggests that college-age football linemen may be at higher risk for sleep-disordered breathing due to their physical conditioning. The study compared data from football linemen and track athletes, finding that the linemen had significantly larger necks and increased risk for sleep apnea despite having less body fat.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Charlotte·JournalJournal of Sport Rehabilitation·DateFeb 21, 2018

Automated measure of nighttime oxygen levels could speed diagnosis of sleep apnea

A new automated system for measuring nighttime oxygen levels could help diagnose sleep apnea in children who snore. The approach was most accurate for children with severe apnea and detected 90% of those with severe disease. The test is simple, inexpensive, and can be performed at home using a pulse oximeter.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 7, 2017

Sleep apnea and insomnia combination linked with depression

A new study reveals that men with sleep apnoea and insomnia have a higher prevalence and severity of depressive symptoms than those with either condition alone. The study found that 43% of men with both conditions had depression, compared to 22% with insomnia alone and 8% with sleep apnoea alone.

SourceWiley·JournalRespirology·DateJun 7, 2017

AASM publishes new guideline for diagnostic testing for adult sleep apnea

The new guideline recommends that polysomnography be used for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea in patients with significant cardiorespiratory disease or other complicating conditions. Home sleep apnea testing is recommended only for uncomplicated adult patients with increased risk of moderate to severe sleep apnea.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateMar 14, 2017

Oral devices reduce sleep apnea but may not affect heart disease risk factors

A randomized controlled trial found that oral appliances significantly improved sleep quality and symptoms in patients with severe sleep apnea, but had no effect on endothelial function or blood pressure. The study suggests further research is needed to determine the impact of oral devices on cardiovascular health.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 27, 2017