Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. These pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes and may occur multiple times per hour. The two main types of sleep apnea are:

1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The more common type, where the throat muscles relax and block the airway.
2. Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Less common, where the brain fails to send signals to the muscles that control breathing.

The primary treatment option for sleep apnea currently is continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP. This is the most common and effective treatment for moderate to severe OSA. There are variations of CPAP that are often used for CSA. CPAP involves wearing a mask connected to a machine that delivers a continuous stream of air to keep the airway open during sleep. These treatment methods are effective when used properly and when the patient is compliant with therapy. The problem with CPAP is that many patients report the mask is uncomfortable to wear at night and many patients (about half) end up being non-compliant with therapy. There are alternative treatment options that are available for patients with mild to moderate levels of sleep apnea including oral appliances and surgical procedures. These alternative options have inconsistent rates of efficacy.

We are currently testing new therapies that do NOT require CPAP. There are emerging medications being investigated to improve the tone of upper airway muscles, which can help keep the airway open during sleep. These medications aim to reduce the collapsibility of the airway, potentially reducing the severity of OSA. These emerging treatments are being researched and refined to provide more options for individuals with sleep apnea, aiming to improve treatment outcomes, increase comfort, and enhance overall quality of life by effectively managing this common sleep disorder.