The ACA expanded insurance coverage and access to care for patients with chronic medical conditions, but nearly 1 in 7 remained uninsured. Home sleep testing was found to be as effective as lab testing in managing obstructive sleep apnea.
Research presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2016 found that disrupted sleep, including insomnia, is independently associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation. The study analyzed data from three sources and showed a 26% higher risk for those who frequently woke up during the night.
A new study found that positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy for sleep apnea significantly improves patient-reported outcomes in hypertensive patients, including reduced daytime sleepiness, depressive symptoms, and fatigue severity. The study also showed consistent improvement even in resistant hypertension cases.
A new study suggests that CPAP therapy may help improve nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. The mean heartburn score decreased by 62 percent among sleep apnea patients who were adherent to CPAP therapy.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that an implanted nerve stimulator significantly improves symptoms of central sleep apnea, reducing events per hour by half or more for 51% of patients. The device also showed improvement in other sleep measures and overall quality of life, with only minor discomfort reported.
The Sleep Apnea Cardiovascular Endpoints (SAVE) study found that nightly CPAP treatment did not reduce cardiovascular risk in patients with OSA. However, treatment improved well-being and quality of life for the participants.
Researchers identify the signaling cascade leading to apnea-associated hypertension and propose a new treatment method by inhibiting cystathionine-y-lyase enzyme. Blocking hydrogen sulfide synthesis can prevent carotid body activation and hypertension in sleep apnea patients.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus found that sleep apnea worsens non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in obese adolescents. The study, published in the Journal of Hepatology, suggests that obstructive sleep apnea and low nighttime oxygen levels can promote the progression of the disease.
A new analysis reveals the economic burden of undiagnosed sleep apnea in the US, with estimated annual costs including $86.9 billion in lost productivity and $30 billion in increased healthcare utilization. Treatment for sleep apnea can improve patient health and quality of life.
A recent literature review suggests that both sleep disorders and oversleeping may increase the risk of stroke. The review recommends screening for sleep disorders in people who have had a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), as they may be more likely to experience negative outcomes. Additionally, treatment with continuous posit...
Research contradicts previous findings that link poor sleep quality to joint pain, instead showing no association with obstructive sleep apnea. The study highlights the need for further investigation into the relationship between pain and sleep apnea.
Resistant hypertension patients with sleep apnea are at higher risk of ischemic heart events and congestive heart failure compared to those without resistant hypertension. The study included 470,386 hypertensive individuals and found no significant differences in stroke and premature death risks between the two groups.
A six-fold increase in diagnosed sleep disorders among US veterans has been reported, with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experiencing the largest rate increases. The study found that veterans with cardiovascular disease or other chronic conditions also experienced higher rates of sleep disorder diagnoses.
A University of Michigan study found an association between obstructive sleep apnea and cognitive dysfunction in MS patients. Treating OSA with CPAP therapy may help improve cognitive function in these patients.
The hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) device shows promise for treating moderate to severe OSA who can't tolerate CPAP, with a 84% reduction in AHI and 11% increase in oxygen levels. The study replicates the success of previous clinical trials, offering an alternative option for patients.
CHF patients with predominant central sleep apnea (CSA) are at higher risk for death and unplanned hospitalization, particularly those in the most severe NYHA class. ASV therapy has been shown to be effective in treating CSA, but its impact on mortality rates remains unclear.
A recent study found that children with cerebral palsy are more likely to suffer from obstructive sleep apnea due to underdiagnosis. Routine screening with a questionnaire can accurately diagnose sleep disorders in this population.
A multicenter prospective study found that untreated severe obstructive sleep apnea is associated with increased aggressiveness of malignant cutaneous melanoma. The study involved 412 patients and showed a relationship between sleep apnea and poor prognosis markers for melanoma.
Research showed that even snoring alone can negatively impact cognitive functioning in young children. A large study found moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea increased the likelihood and magnitude of cognitive deficits, including problems with attention, memory, and language.
Researchers found that treating high-risk hospitalized patients for sleep apnea may decrease the frequency of emergency rescues from hospital personnel. Patients who were compliant with positive airway pressure (PAP) treatment had less rapid response events than those who were non-compliant.
A new technology is being used to treat sleep apnea in adolescent patients with Down syndrome, who often struggle with traditional CPAP machines. The first patient showed significant improvement in symptoms after implantation, paving the way for further research.
Five Harvard research projects have received sustaining funding through the Physical Sciences & Engineering Accelerator, which aims to bridge the 'chasm of death' between discovery and product development. The funded projects include a shell scripting language for improved security, a pattern-detection algorithm for enhanced drug evalu...
Researchers identified specific measures of low blood oxygenation associated with impaired kidney function and diabetic nephropathy. The study highlights the association between sleep apnea and microvascular disease linked to diabetes.
A new study published in Nutrients found that high-fat diets are associated with increased risk of daytime sleepiness and poor sleep quality in Australian men. The research, which analyzed data from over 1,800 men aged 35-80, also linked high fat intake to a higher incidence of sleep apnea.
The ASAA has been awarded a three-year, $2.5 million demonstration project to monitor and support treatment adherence for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The study will compare the effectiveness of proactive care versus reactive care on improving patient-centered outcomes.
The SleepHealth app tracks users' sleep quality, duration, and related health issues, providing insights for research and a personalized tool to improve well-being. The app aims to accelerate treatments and interventions for sleep disorders, impacting public health.
The largest study on sleep apnea and crash risk among commercial motor vehicle drivers found that failing to adhere to sleep apnea treatment increases truck driver crash risk by 5 times. The study supports establishing obstructive sleep apnea screening standards for all drivers through the commercial driver's medical exam.
Researchers found that truckers with OSA who didn't adhere to treatment had a five-fold increase in preventable crashes compared to healthy drivers. Regular screening and treatment can reduce large truck accidents, deaths, and injuries.
Researchers have found that truckers with obstructive sleep apnea who do not adhere to treatment have a significantly higher crash risk. The study, which analyzed over 1,600 drivers, found that these drivers were more than five times as likely to be involved in a severe crash compared to those who followed the treatment program.
A new study suggests that poor sleep, like sleep apnea, can promote cancer development by stimulating the formation of blood vessels in tumors. Researchers found that intermittent hypoxia, a common consequence of sleep apnea, increases vascular progenitor cells and endothelial cells within tumors.
A new study led by University at Buffalo orthodontic researcher Thikriat Al-Jewair found that large tonsils and tongue indentations are common risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea. The research also showed that obese patients were almost 10 times more likely to report OSA symptoms than non-obese patients.
The SleepHealth study aims to identify connections between sleep habits and health outcomes using the ResearchKit framework on Watson Health Cloud. Participants can contribute ideas and surveys, and their data will be stored in a longitudinal study for analysis.
A new study published in Sleep shows that patients with obstructive sleep apnea experience high satisfaction rates with telemedicine-based care. The study found no significant differences between functional outcome changes and objectively measured PAP adherence when using either in-person or telemedicine visits.
A Swedish study found that approximately 5% of children aged 0-11 years snore several times a week, with only one-third receiving medical help. Children with persistent snoring often experience reduced quality of life, including daytime tiredness and learning difficulties.
Researchers at UCLA found significant changes in brain chemicals GABA and glutamate in patients with sleep apnea, which can lead to symptoms like depression, stress, and memory loss. The study suggests that treating sleep apnea may help restore normal brain chemical levels.
New research published in Respirology suggests a significant link between sleep apnea and an increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease. Adults with sleep apnea were found to have a 58% higher risk of developing the condition over a 3.9-year follow-up period.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Cardiology found that early diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea may reduce six-month readmissions for patients hospitalized with heart failure. Researchers discovered a significant reduction in hospital visits among patients who used positive airway pressure therapy regularly.
Researchers found a significant association between poor sleep quality and severe arteriosclerosis in the brain, as well as increased oxygen-starved tissue, among elderly individuals. Sleep fragmentation was linked to higher odds of stroke and cognitive impairment, independent of other cardiovascular risk factors.
A study found that high-achieving children who underwent adenotonsillectomy, a procedure to remove tonsils and adenoids, improved their behavior and daytime functioning. The research suggests that obstructive sleep apnea should be considered in all children, regardless of IQ level.
A study published in Science Translational Medicine found that statins can help reverse the process leading to vascular injury in people with sleep apnea. By reducing inflammation and preserving CD59 on cell surfaces, statins may lower the risk of heart disease in these individuals.
A recent study found no link between vitamin D deficiency and increased risk or severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in elderly men. The study suggests that taking additional vitamin D supplements is unlikely to prevent or improve OSA.
Older men with central sleep apnea are at greater risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF), according to a recent study. The research suggests that addressing central sleep-disordered breathing may help prevent AF in this population.
Researchers at Umea University discovered unique muscle fibers in the soft palate of humans, found in greater numbers in snorers and sleep apnea patients. These fibers have a distinct molecular build-up and are absent or modified in some key proteins.
A new study shows that patients with sleep apnea are at a higher risk of developing gout. The incidence rate of gout was found to be 60% higher among those with sleep apnea compared to similar-weight comparators.
A study of 713 male patients with sleep apnea found a clear link between low quality of life due to sleep problems and erectile dysfunction. Psychological interventions may help improve the sexual health of these men.
Research found that sleep apnea in women is associated with higher blood levels of troponin, a marker for early heart injury, and increased risk of heart failure, coronary heart disease, and death. Women with moderate to severe sleep apnea were more than 30% likely to experience adverse heart problems.
Researchers investigate risk factors for children with sleep apnea, effects of excessive or inadequate sleep on injury risk, and National Institutes of Health funding trends. The studies aim to improve understanding and treatment of sleep disorders.
A new study reveals that nearly 73% of sleep apnea patients have clinically significant depressive symptoms, which improve substantially when treated with CPAP therapy. Treatment adherence was associated with reduced depressive symptoms, including suicidal ideation.
The American Academy of Otolaryngology will feature over 380 oral and poster presentations on various otolaryngic topics. Key findings include research on depression after hearing loss treatment and the correlation between pediatric sleep endoscopy and polysomnography.
A new study suggests that nocturnal enuresis, or bedwetting, may be an additional symptom to look for when assessing post-menopausal women for obstructive sleep apnea. The study found a strong association between OSA risk factors and nocturnal enuresis in postmenopausal women.
Researchers at UNT Health Science Center and The University of Texas at Arlington have developed a user-friendly system that alerts individuals with sleep apnea to airflow leaks in their PAP machines. This system may motivate patients who give up on treatment due to discomfort or inconvenience.
The Women's Medicine Collaborative will investigate the link between sleep apnea and placental function in pregnant women. The study aims to determine whether changes in the placenta are associated with sleep abnormalities, with potential implications for pregnancy outcomes.
A clinical pathway identified sleep disordered breathing in 87% of hospitalized patients, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and intervention to reduce cardiovascular complications. The low-cost protocol used a simple device, which correlated well with polysomnography, increasing awareness among admitting physicians.
A recent study found that 34% of participants had moderate or severe sleep-disordered breathing, and 31% experienced short sleep duration. Racial/ethnic minorities were more likely to have undiagnosed sleep apnea and poor sleep quality compared to whites.
The American Thoracic Society recommends that adults aim for 7-9 hours of sleep, while children need age-based recommendations. The guidelines also emphasize the importance of education on sleep health, drowsy driving prevention, and early diagnosis of sleep disorders.
MyApnea.Org is a virtual community portal that recruits patients, caregivers, and at-risk individuals to collaborate on sleep apnea research and improve diagnosis and treatment. Members have access to tools and can suggest research ideas to be voted on by the community.
A new study reveals that young U.S. veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are at a higher risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The study found that the severity of PTSD symptoms is strongly associated with an increased risk of OSA, and that nearly 70% of participants had a high risk for sleep apnea.
Severe obstructive sleep apnea and excessive daytime sleepiness are associated with an increased risk of depression in men. A large community-based study found that previously undiagnosed severe OSA and EDS were significantly linked to depression prevalence and incidence in a population of Australian men.
A large multicenter study found that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is prevalent among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), affecting nearly half of them. The study also suggests that the methods used to screen for OSA in patients with cardiovascular diseases need to be improved.
Researchers found obesity and depression to be underlying causes of regular drowsiness, with low-grade chronic inflammation a primary mechanism for fatigue in obese individuals. Depressed individuals also experienced high incidence of EDS, likely due to physiologic sleep disturbances.