Breathing’s crucial role in memory enhancement during sleep
Neuroscience News
A new study has uncovered a crucial link between breathing and the consolidation of memories during sleep. Through a detailed analysis of EEG and respiratory patterns in human participants, the researchers discovered that peaks in inhalation are closely associated with an increase in slow oscillations and spindle activity in the brain. These specific brain rhythms are known to play a critical role in the process of memory consolidation. Learn more
Yale scientists uncover link between impaired sleep and indications of poor brain health
Yale Daily News
A Yale-led study found a strong association between poor sleep habits and worse brain health in middle-aged adults. Defining suboptimal sleep durations as less than seven hours and more than nine hours per night, the researchers found a link between those with poor sleep durations and neuroimaging profiles often associated with worsened brain health that precedes issues such as strokes and dementia. Learn more
Sleep doctors share the No. 1 red flag for sleep apnea
BestLife
Snoring is an extremely common sleep habit. As many as 90 million people in the U.S. have reported snoring at some point in their lives, while 37 million say they snore regularly, according to Yale Medicine. But how you snore is critical when it comes to potential long-term health consequences. Learn more
Eating a healthy plant-based diet may make sleep apnea less likely
Medical News Today
There is a range of factors that may cause obstructive sleep apnea. However, a new study investigates the effect of a plant-based diet on the likelihood of developing OSA. While the study finds eating a plant-centric diet can help one avoid OSA, it also finds that the quality of that diet is critically important. Learn more
Sleep: an overlooked aspect of heart health
Loma Linda University Health
Sleep is one historically overlooked component of heart health that has only come under the spotlight in recent years, according to advanced heart failure cardiology experts at Loma Linda University International Heart Institute in California. For February's American Heart Month, Loma Linda University experts provide an overview of the sleep-heart connection and offer recommendations to achieve better sleep to nurture the heart. Learn more
Obstructive sleep apnea speeds up aging on a cellular level
Earth.com
Researchers in Brazil have found that obstructive sleep apnea accelerates cellular aging through the shortening of telomeres – intricate structures comprising DNA sequences and proteins located at the ends of our chromosomes. Telomeres, like silent guardians, ensure the genetic material within the cell nucleus remains undistorted. As cells undergo division for tissue and organ rejuvenation, telomeres inevitably shorten. A time comes when these telomeres shrink too much, signaling the cells to halt their division – a hallmark of aging. Obstructive sleep apnea fast-tracks this telomere shortening, thereby hastening the aging process at the cellular level. Learn more
Sleep and heart health: what to know
Health Matters
One of the keys to heart health can be found beneath the covers: The American Heart Association (AHA) has added sleep to its checklist of what’s important for a healthy heart. Sleep now joins physical activity, diet, weight, blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, and nicotine exposure in what the AHA calls Life’s Essential 8™. National Sleep Foundation (NSF) recommends between seven and nine hours of sleep a night for healthy adults and between nine and 13 hours for children, depending on their age. However, one of the biggest threats to sleep and heart health is a common sleep disorder, sleep apnea. Learn more
The essential role of CPAP water in sleep apnea therapy
TechBullion
CPAP therapy has revolutionized the treatment of sleep apnea, providing individuals with a consistent flow of air to keep airways open during sleep. Within the realm of CPAP, the role of CPAP water is often underestimated, yet it plays a crucial role in enhancing the effectiveness and comfort of this therapeutic process. Learn more
Post-COVID-19 sleepiness could be undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea, study finds
HCPLive
Post-COVID-19 symptoms like daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and memory/concentration problems may be because of reduced sleep efficiency and undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea, a new study found. A report from a study in Germany reported people who have COVID-19 have reported experiencing symptoms, such as chronic pain, brain fog, shortness of breath, chest pain, and intense fatigue, for either weeks, months, or years after a SARS-Cov-2 infection. Learn more
What is the link between sleep apnea and an overactive bladder?
Medical News Today
The connection between sleep apnea and overactive bladder lies in their shared association with disrupted sleep patterns resulting from the need to get up to urinate. This shared pattern of sleep disruption can have a profound impact on an individual’s overall health and well-being. Medical News Today identifies some strategies for managing both conditions simultaneously. Learn more
Study shows CPAP therapy slows aging tied to sleep apnea
Neuroscience News
Telomeres, the protective ends of chromosomes, play a role in aging and tend to shorten faster with OSA, according to a study conducted in Brazil. This study reveals that not only does CPAP combat OSA symptoms, but it also attenuates the rapid aging effects. The findings highlight the crucial link between sleep quality and aging. Learn more
Why am I still tired after a good night’s sleep?
Cleveland Clinic HealthEssentials
The quality of sleep we’re getting is just as important as the quantity. Sleep disorders, diet and mental health can affect the quality of your sleep. Cleveland Clinic sleep experts explain why you might not be getting high-quality sleep. Learn more
Sleep apnea can make you depressed
Psychology Today
In an Australian study, of 293 sleep apnea patients, 213 had clinically significant symptoms of depression—nearly 73 percent. Many were happier after their sleep apnea was treated. Are you tired all the time, fuzzy-headed, or can’t imagine life getting any better? It’s easy to attribute symptoms like these to menopause or depression. But speak to your doctor about a sleep apnea evaluation, since your sleep may be contributing to the problem. Learn more
Incannex Healthcare enters second phase of clinical trial for a new drug for sleep apnea
Sleep Review
Incannex Healthcare Ltd, a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing medicinal cannabinoid pharmaceutical products and psychedelic medicine therapies, has entered the second of three phases in a FDA-approved clinical trial for an investigational new drug for obstructive sleep apnea. Learn more
Let’s talk about and normalize sleep apnea
Pulmonary Hypertension
We live in a world that places plenty of stigma on health struggles, chronic illnesses, and disabilities. That stigma and the resulting ableism can feel overwhelming at times, while also reminding us why it’s so important to normalize conditions like sleep apnea. Columnist Mike Naple shares about his experience with sleep apnea to help raise awareness about the sleeping disorder. Learn more
CPAP device for sleep apnea might also ease chronic cough, heartburn
US News
A CPAP machine can relieve not only sleep apnea but the heartburn and chronic cough that often accompanies it, a new study finds. People who suffer from sleep apnea are three times more likely to develop acid reflux than those who don't have the condition, noted senior researcher Dr. Thorarinn Gislason, from the Department of Sleep of Landspitali--National University Hospital of Iceland. The researchers found that those who used CPAP regularly were about 42% less likely to suffer nighttime heartburn, compared with those who used CPAP a little or not at all. Learn more
Better sleep consolidation may protect cognitive function
Medical News Today
In adults without dementia, sleep consolidation and the absence of obstructive sleep apnea could be important for optimizing cognition with aging, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open. Scientists looked at sleep studies specific to sleep consolidation and sleep apnea and their association with the risk of dementia and related cognitive and brain function. Learn more
Dr. Reena Mehra, MD, of the Sleep Disorders Center at Cleveland Clinic, explains how biomarkers and endophenotypes are beneficial for personalized patient care
HCP Live
Sleep studies provide a wealth of physiological information that can advance many aspects of clinical practice. In an interview at SLEEP 2023, Dr. Reena Mehra, MD, MS, director and professor of medicine at the Sleep Disorders Center at Cleveland Clinic, highlighted the potential offered by endophenotypes yielded from sleep studies in predicting clinical outcomes, including conditions like atrial fibrillation (AF). Learn more
CPAP lowers blood pressure in select patients with severe obstructed sleep apnea and hypertension
Pulmonology Advisor
According to a study published in the British Medical Journal Open Respiratory Research, among patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea and untreated hypertension, those whose high blood pressure is induced by transient apnea events are likely to achieve lower blood pressure by using a CPAP machine. Learn more
Understanding more about the influence of gut microbiome, other factors on obstructive sleep apnea
NeurologyLive
During the 2023 SLEEP Annual Meeting, held in Indianapolis, a pediatric neurologist presented about the role certain factors can put an individual at increased risk for OSA. Following the presentation, she shared with NeurologyLive® why researching the precursors to OSA will help better phenotype patients, why gut microbiome plays such a significant role and how it may influence other sleep disorders besides OSA, and why nutrition has become a major topic of discussion between patients and clinicians. Learn more
The one time talking in your sleep could be a serious warning sign
Health Digest
More often than not, sleep talking is actually harmless. But the one time it shouldn't be ignored is if it were indicative of a more serious health condition, like obstructive sleep apnea. While health professionals aren't exactly sure of the real reason people talk in their sleep, there is some association with obstructive sleep apnea and parasomnias like sleep talking. Parasomnias refer to absurd or disruptive behaviors that occur when someone is asleep. Sleepwalking, sleep eating, sleep terrors, and sleep paralysis are also examples of parasomnias. Learn more
Study: Children with sickle cell disease at risk of severe obstructive sleep apnea
Sickle Cell Disease News
A recent article in Sickle Cell Disease News, children with sickle cell disease might be at risk for severe obstructive sleep apnea, even if they’re a normal weight, according to researchers who wrote “Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Sickle Cell Disease: Demographic and Polysomnographic Features,” published in The Laryngoscope. Learn more
How AI could help with sleep issues in the future, especially sleep apnea
Sleepopolis
New research has emerged showing that patients with obstructive sleep apnea are at the forefront of new Artificial Intelligence technology. From screening and diagnosis through treatment, there are opportunities for providers and patients to collaborate and achieve better results with AI, potentially. Learn more
The best habits for those with sleep apnea
Parkview Health
Sleep apnea can range from mild to severe, based on how often breathing stops over the course of the night. For adults, breathing may stop as few as five times an hour (mild apnea) or as many as 30+ times an hour (severe apnea). Making changes to your sleep routine and adjusting your daily routine can help treat obstructive sleep apnea. Learn more.
Tongue nerve stimulator does good for sleep apnea patients
MedPage Today
Targeted hypoglossal nerve stimulation (THN) showed safety and efficacy for patients with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea, according to results from the randomized THN3 trial. The trial tested the aura6000 THN therapy systemopens in a new tab or window from ImThera Medical, which consists of an implanted pulse simulation device and a lead that transports the generated pulses to the hypoglossal nerve to activate their lingual muscles and to keep airways clear. Learn more
What really happens to your body when you don’t get enough sleep
LIVESTRONG
You've heard it time and time again: Get more sleep. We all know we should, but with such busy lives — working, raising a family, tending to chores — and distractions like social media, sleep often gets pushed to the back burner. But experts aren't telling us to get more rest for nothing. Poor sleep can have a negative effect on nearly every part of the body. Find out what happens when you don't get enough sleep, including the head-to-toe effects on your body. Learn more
Oversleeping: What is it, why is it happening and how do I make it stop?
Cleveland Clinic HealthEssentials
Routinely oversleeping is a symptom of an underlying disorder, not a disorder in and of itself. So, determining the underlying cause is an important part of getting effective treatment. According to Dr. Michelle Drerup, PsyD, DBSM, a sleep specialist at the Cleveland Clinic, two disorders are major culprits of oversleeping: Untreated sleep apnea and major depressive disorder. Learn about these causes and the steps you can take to manage your symptoms at home.
‘Early birds’ use CPAP machines longer, reaping greater health benefits
YaleNews
CPAP machines treat sleep apnea, but many patients don’t use them as directed. A new study from Yale finds “morning people” use theirs more during the night than others. Learn more
What to expect from a sleep study
Cleveland Clinic HealthEssentials
A sleep study can help doctors figure out if something serious is going on with your health. Sleep medicine specialist Dr. Nancy Foldvary-Schaefer, DO, MS, director of the Sleep Disorders Center at Cleveland Clinic, explains what sleep studies aim to discover — and what you can expect before and after having one. Learn more
Eight common sleep myths debunked
Live Science
There are a number of sleep myths that are often mistaken for facts — from how long someone should sleep for to whether a nightcap helps people drift off sooner. Far from being harmless, some of the most misleading sleep claims can lead to poor sleep hygiene and habits, resulting in poor sleep quality and negative health outcomes. LiveScience debunks eight common sleep myths. Learn more
3 Simple Tricks for Improving Your Sleep Quality Tonight
Psychology Today
Getting good sleep is fundamental for brain health and may help lower the risk of developing cognitive decline and mental health disorders. But the modern world can so easily detract from our opportunities at restful shuteye. Read about three lesser-known tips that can help you get better rest starting tonight. Learn more
Promising medication for sleep apnea
Neuroscience News
Targeting a condition suffered by nearly a billion people worldwide, a new study from Flinders University has shown the drug, reboxetine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor previously used to treat depression, can reduce obstructive sleep apnea severity. Learn more
Why am I so grumpy after a nap? How to improve the quality of your sleep
The Washington Post
When someone is sleep-deprived, one of the first things you’ll notice is that they’re irritable and inattentive. One way to address this is to improve the quantity and overall quality of their sleep. The National Sleep Foundation and American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommend adults get between seven and nine hours of sleep daily. But if you’re getting that amount and still waking up tired, the problem may be related to quality. Learn more
What is the difference between narcolepsy and sleep apnea?
Health Digest
Two sleep disorders that can particularly wreak havoc on your sleep are sleep apnea and narcolepsy. Both conditions can make sleep difficult and, by extension, cause drowsiness, or even make you fall asleep, during the day. Narcolepsy and sleep apnea both have different symptoms and different methods of treatment, so it’s important to know which condition you're dealing with. Learn more
What to do during your first few days with a CPAP machine
WebMD
Taking home a new CPAP machine may seem intimidating, but there are a few things you can do to make the process a lot smoother. Here’s what you should do during your first few days as a new user. Learn more
6 medical problems that can mimic dementia — but aren’t
AARP
Getting a good night’s rest is essential for protecting the brain as you age. Sleep gives our brain time to learn, store memories and filter out toxic substances. If your sleep-wake cycle is disturbed or you have insomnia, you may experience dementia-like symptoms such as trouble focusing, confusion, mental fatigue and irritability. Learn more
Individual patterns in sleep apnea provide a better approach to diagnosis and treatment
EurekAlert
A team of researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Boston University, have pioneered an “instantaneous AHI (apnea-hypopnea index), which evolves moment-to-moment based on data from sleep stage and body position and patterns of past apnea activity. This model allowed researchers to accurately predict when events will occur, which could help sleep clinicians develop individualized treatments for their sleep apnea patients. Learn more
A potential new treatment target for sleep apnea
Neuroscience News
In a new study, Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers say they have added to evidence that specialized channel proteins, a cation channel known as TRPM7, are possible therapeutic targets for sleep apnea and similar abnormally slow breathing disorders in obese people. Learn more
Can sleep apnea cause headaches?
Health Digest
According to the Sleep Foundation, headaches are a sneaky symptom of sleep apnea. But the type of headache associated with sleep apnea is specific — rather than a throbbing pain, those suffering experience more of a persistent, all-encompassing discomfort that is typically felt along the sides of the head and passes after a few hours. Learn more
How sleep apnea affects your body
Health Digest
If left untreated, sleep apnea can cause adverse effects throughout the body, including breathing difficulty, cardiovascular problems, high blood sugar, altered immune function, liver disorders, low libido, daytime sleepiness/impaired cognition and depression and anxiety. Learn more about the steps to treat sleep apnea
How a Lack of Sleep Contributes to High Blood Pressure
Cleveland Clinic HealthEssentials
We’ve all heard it before: Adults need to get between seven and nine hours of sleep a night to be healthy. But like a lot of health advice, that’s easier said than done. In fact, over 70 million Americans are sleep deprived. The more we learn about the role sleep plays in our cardiovascular health, the more obvious it becomes that the high levels of sleep deprivation and hypertension in the U.S. are no accident. Learn more
Study identifies maladaptive habits that hurt sleep quality
Sleep Review
Most patients with sleep problems adopt maladaptive habits — such as taking sleep aids, using caffeine, and taking daytime naps — that may actually contribute to decreased sleep quality, a new study finds. Learn more
Risky driving behaviors increase as common sleep disorder worsens
Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
People with sleep apnea wake up tired in the morning, no matter how many hours they actually sleep. A study by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis looks at how dangerous such chronic tiredness can be, at least in regard to driving. Learn more
New research links good sleep to cardiac health
Hartford HealthCare
The American Heart Association recently added sleep to its checklist that is used to measure cardiovascular health. Other health and lifestyle factors in the checklist, which were part of the previous seven-item scoring tool, are nicotine exposure, physical activity, diet, weight, blood glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure. The checklist - previously called Life’s Simple 7™ - is now called Life’s Essential 8™. Learn more
The future of sleep apnea treatment
Sleepopolis
While many people think CPAP machines are the only option for sleep apnea treatment, researchers and doctors are making progress in other solutions as well — treatments that might change the standard for sleep apnea treatment in the next decade if scientists have anything to do with it. Learn more
New mobile health technology for sleep apnea care to address individual patient needs
UChicago Medicine
Sleeping with a CPAP machine is the most effective treatment for sleep apnea, yet getting patients to use the devices consistently remains a major challenge. Now, a development by University of Chicago Medicine and Northwestern University scientists gives both patients and physicians a new tool for monitoring adherence to therapy. The tool provides a new adherence metric: the percentage of time a user wears their CPAP relative to their objectively assessed time spent sleeping. Learn more
These 5 tips make sleeping with a CPAP machine easy
CNET
Sleeping with a CPAP machine can be annoying -- the mask covering your face, the hose tethering you to a machine that grumbles beside your bed. Undeniably, they can be a hassle, and that's a big reason why people opt to sleep without them. Instead of compromising your sleep quality and health, use these quick tips to make sleeping with a CPAP mask part of your routine.
New findings indicate treatment of sleep apnea can improve memory in people with cognitive decline
Being Patient
There is increasing recognition of the important role sleep plays in brain health. Growing evidence suggests disturbed sleep may increase the risk of developing dementia. The University of Sydney has published a new study showing treating sleep apnea in older adults with mild cognitive impairment can improve memory, but not other areas of cognition, in the short term. Learn more
5 surprising causes of memory loss
Everyday Health
Sleep problems, including sleep apnea and insomnia, are among five surprising causes linked to memory loss and dementia, according to Harvard Medical School. Lack of sleep causes fatigue, which, in turn, can lead to brain fog and memory problems. Learn more
Sleep and Lung Cancer: What's the Connection?
Verywell Health
There is a connection between sleep and lung cancer. As with other types of cancer, side effects of treatments such as chemotherapy can make it difficult for people to fall asleep, stay asleep, return to sleep, or get quality sleep. A good night's sleep is important to not only help you cope with cancer and treatment side effects but also to keep you healthy. In fact, sleep problems, including a lack of sleep or getting too much sleep, can even pose a risk of developing lung cancer. Learn more
American Academy of Sleep Medicine weighs in on when should surgery be discussed with sleep apnea patients
Sleep Review
CPAP is the gold standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), but when patients struggle with CPAP adherence, surgery may be an effective alternative. A new clinical practice guideline issued by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) outlines appropriate situations for when adults with OSA should be referred to a surgeon for consultation. Learn more
Eye conditions linked to sleep apnea
Verywell Health
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which a person can have hundreds of involuntary breathing pauses per night. This leads to an array of symptoms and a risk for developing health complications, including certain eye disorders. Early diagnosis of these disorders is essential, because it can prevent and even restore vision loss in some cases. Learn more
Tips on dealing with sleep apnea and COVID-19 at the same time
WebMD
In a WebMD blog, writer Brian Lamacraft offers advice on how to manage COVID-19 and sleep apnea at the same time. He noted it wasn’t easy, but advised to treat sleep apnea like you would any illness, and take care of yourself. Make sure you eat well, limit alcohol, get rest, wear your mask, and listen to your body. Learn more
Insomnia impact survey highlights disconnect in patient/doctor perspective
Sleep Review
Results from an online survey, Wake Up America: The Night & Day Impact of Insomnia, brought to life the complexities of insomnia and highlight changes needed to improve the ability of patients and healthcare providers to address this prevalent sleep/wake disorder. Conducted by the Alliance for Sleep, in conjunction with The Harris Poll, the online survey revealed that trouble sleeping and insomnia have a massive impact on a variety of aspects across people’s lives — during both the day and night. Learn more
Drug reduced frequency of breathing pauses in sleep apnea
Neuroscience News
A new University of Gothenburg study has paved the way for the first drug treatment for sleep apnea. Sulthiame, a CA inhibitor drug, reduced the number of breathing pauses and promoted oxygenation during the night in sufferers of obstructive sleep apnea. Learn more
It’s getting hot in here: How to stay cool With your CPAP mask
WebMD
In warm weather, you may find that your CPAP mask starts feeling uncomfortable. As the temperature rises, so does your chance of not getting a good night’s sleep if your room is too hot. In a WebMD blog post, Brian Lamacraft shares how he stays cool with his CPAP. Learn more
Sleep apnea may lead to joint pain in postmenopausal women
Sleep Review
The results of a new study, published in the journal Menopause, suggest a significant association between sleep apnea and joint pain, with higher respiratory distress scores linked with joint pain severity. One explanation is that joint tissues have estrogen receptors, and estrogen plays a role in maintaining the homeostasis of articular tissues such as cartilage, ligaments, and muscles. Learn more
Wrist-worn device used to more easily assess sleep apnea
New Atlas
A sleep apnea assessment typically involves spending a night at a clinic, wired up to various sensors that may actually keep the patient from sleeping normally. According to recent research, a Fitbit-like device could serve the same purpose while the patient sleeps at home. Learn more
Canadian college students design monitoring and processing software called, Sleep Apnea Guardian, to help detect sleep apnea
DEVPOST
A group of Canadian students from the University of Alberta recently took first place in a hackathon hosted by NeurAlbertaTech (NAT) for their software program, called Sleep Apnea Guardian. This program monitors and processes EEG brain signals during sleep for instant feedback, providing an affordable and non-invasive solution to detect sleep apnea. Learn more
Obstructive sleep apnea: common symptoms and misconceptions
HCP Live
In the latest episode of Lungcast, a monthly respiratory health podcast from HCPLive and the American Lung Association, Dr. Reena Mehra, MD, MS, director of Sleep Disorders Research at Cleveland Clinic, spoke with ALA’s Chief Medical Officer Albert Rizzo, MD, on the most common or undercooked symptoms in obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Mehra noted how often patients present to her clinic with symptoms of excessive daytime sleepiness and general fatigue. Learn more
How I found help with sleep apnea and why community matters
WebMD
Many people with sleep apnea suffer in silence. They feel trapped and alone with a condition that is hard to come to terms with and understand. In a WebMD blog post, Brian Lamacraft shares that he had these when he was first diagnosed with sleep apnea in 2017. He explains how a good sleep apnea community can offer you the support that you need. Learn more
Sleep apnea in pregnancy linked to metabolic syndrome and hypertension
Physician’s Weekly
A recent study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine reports sleep-disordered breathing in pregnancy is associated with an increased risk for metabolic syndrome and hypertension after delivery. Learn more
A common sleep apnea treatment may not benefit patients over 80 years old
U.S. News
New research from the University of Missouri's School of Medicine revealed a CPAP machine did not have much effect in sleep apnea patients over 80, according to HealthDay. Although patients using a CPAP had significantly improved snoring and witnessed apnea, there were no improvements in apnea-related symptoms, such as depression, anxiety or blood pressure levels. Learn more
Watch for these sleep apnea symptoms
Verywell Health
Both acute and chronic impacts of sleep apnea lead to a variety of symptoms. People who have greater than 30 breathing pauses per hour are at a higher risk of developing chronic symptoms. Learn more about these symptoms
Sleep problems pervasive and persistent among children with epilepsy
Michigan Health Lab
For children with epilepsy, seizures and related health concerns can disrupt every part of childhood, including sleep. Now, a new study by University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, Michigan Medicine, finds that not only are reported sleep concerns highly prevalent in children with epilepsy – for both those with and without nighttime seizures – but these issues persist and may potentially even get worse with age. Learn more
How Artificial Intelligence could change sleep apnea management
Sleep Review
Already, machine learning-powered improvements in screening, diagnosis, and therapy adherence facilitate more personalized obstructive sleep apnea care. Thanks to recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), a new class of machines is here to learn how to help people with obstructive sleep apnea have pleasant dreams. Learn more
What is the difference between narcolepsy and sleep apnea?
Medical News Today
Narcolepsy and sleep apnea are conditions that can cause someone to feel tired during waking hours. However, their symptoms, causes, and treatments are very different. Medical News Today looks at the differences between narcolepsy and sleep apnea, the link between these sleep disorders, and how doctors diagnose them.
Learn more
Sleep disordered breathing in early pregnancy linked to insulin resistance
Sleep Review
A study funded by the National Institutes of Health suggests sleep-disordered breathing in early pregnancy is associated with insulin resistance or difficulty clearing glucose from the blood.
Learn more
Struggling with your CPAP mask? WebMD offers these 5 tips to help you get comfortable with your mask
WebMD
In a blog post for WebMD, Brian Lamacraft shares how he has struggled with his CPAP mask, and provides a first-person account on how your CPAP mask can help you and become a reasonably comfortable routine.
Learn more
Sleep specialists share why they started offering multiple nights of home sleep testing to their patients and how it impacts diagnosis and therapy.
Sleep Review
Home sleep testing devices are increasingly designed with the capability to capture multiple nights of data, but is this additional information worth the extra time commitment? Some sleep specialists say yes.
Learn more
A Good Night’s Sleep: New device reduces sleep apnea in adolescents with Down syndrome
Harvard Medical School
Children with Down syndrome are significantly more likely to have obstructive sleep apnea, and current treatment options are often ineffective. An implantable pacemaker-like device, called a hypoglossal nerve stimulator, may offer a new treatment option for this medically underserved population, according to a new study by the Journal of the American Medical Association. The study’s authors plan to build upon the findings and test the treatment in additional clinical trials looking at outcomes including improvements in neurocognition and language ability.
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Image credit: Habib M’henni
Scientists find link between obstructive sleep apnea and blood triglyceride levels
SCI NEWS
People with more severe obstructive sleep apnea and reductions in blood oxygen concentrations are more likely to have elevated concentrations of triglycerides in the blood, according to new research.
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Hypertension, gut bacteria, and sleep apnea: Is there a link?
Medical News Today
In a special news feature, Medical News Today examines a potential link between sleep apnea, hypertension, and gut bacteria. Although a link between the three may seem unlikely on the surface, scientists are unraveling the connections.
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American Heart Associations: Sleep disorders plague stroke survivors and put them at risk
HealthDay
Sleep problems are more common among stroke survivors than the general public, according to a study published in the American Heart Association journal, Stroke. Sleep apnea, in particular, when breathing repeatedly stops and starts during the night, is considered an independent risk factor for stroke. Because of the high prevalence of sleep problems among stroke survivors, the AHA recommends assessing sleep issues to prevent further strokes and transient ischemic attacks (TIA).
Learn more
Can a finger pulse oximeter alone detect OSA?
Scary Symptoms
Dr. Nancy Foldvary-Schaefer, DO, MS and director of the Sleep Disorders Center at Cleveland Clinic, examines a study on what a pulse oximeter can do and how it can be a useful tool in the diagnosis of sleep-disordered breathing.
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New Studies: Sleep apnea pill shows durability of effect and improved quality of life in mild to severe obstructed sleep apnea
Sleep Review
Apnimed, a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on developing oral pharmacologic treatments to address obstructive sleep apnea and related disorders, reports positive data across multiple endpoints from a Phase 2 crossover factorial clinical trial and a 28-day open-label extension study, evaluating a pill as a treatment in patients with mild to severe OSA.
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How neurostimulation could be a treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea
Consult QD
In a recent Cleveland Clinic podcast, Dr. Jessica Vensel Rundo, MD, MS, director of the Sleep Neuromodulation Program in Cleveland Clinic’s Sleep Disorders Center, takes an in-depth look at neurostimulation as a treatment alternative for patients who cannot tolerate PAP therapy.
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Study finds significant link between obstructive sleep apnea and white matter hyperintensities in the brain
AJMC
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association discovered that patients with obstructive sleep apnea were found to be significantly more likely to have brain white matter hyperintensities, lesions known to signal brain aging and potential risk of Alzheimer disease. Incidence of obstructive sleep apnea may contribute to the development of brain white matter hyperintensities (WMHs), a known marker of brain aging that has been associated with neurodegenerative disease pathology.
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Interventional cardiologist: Obstructive sleep apnea and heart failure should be evaluated simultaneously
Healthworld.com
From the Economic Times – Health World, Senior Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Kamal Sharma, Ahmedabad, says physicians, cardiologists and pulmonologists should all be advocates for conversations in the community to know more about the link between sleep apnea and heart failure.
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CPAP treatment increases physical activity in adults with sleep apnea, heart disease
Medical Xpress
A new study found that treating obstructive sleep apnea with CPAP therapy increased self-reported physical activity in adults with a history of heart disease. The Sleep Apnea cardioVascular Endpoints (SAVE) study, published in American Academy of Sleep Medicine’s Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, was an international, randomized controlled trial of 2,600 patients with a history of cardiovascular disease and sleep apnea. Learn more
How sleep disorders and heart failure are closely connected
Healthgrades
Heart failure and sleep disorders, like insomnia and sleep apnea, go hand in hand. Insomnia makes it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep the whole night. Heart failure symptoms, like difficulty breathing and pain, may be keeping you awake. Poor sleep also can be a side effect of medications you take to treat heart failure, or from the stress of living with a chronic disease. Learn more from Healthgrades about how these two diagnoses are related.
Does a Bad Night’s Sleep Affect Your Health?
Cleveland Clinic
Dr. Samuel Gurevich, MD, pulmonologist and sleep disorders specialist at the Cleveland Clinic explains how a sleepless night can contribute to a host of health problems, affecting your mental and physical health — and how to get more shut-eye.
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Coming to Terms with My Sleep Apnea
WebMD
In a recent WebMD blog, writer Brian Lamacraft shares how he came to terms with his sleep apnea diagnosis and how to live his daily life in hopes it will help others as they, too, cope with sleep apnea.
Learn more
Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea: American Academy of Sleep Medicine Releases Guidance for Follow-Up Sleep Studies
Sleep Review
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has issued its first-ever guidance for the appropriate use of follow-up polysomnography (PSG) or home sleep apnea tests (HSATs) on patients undergoing treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). While AASM has previously issued guidelines addressing the initial indications for sleep apnea testing for diagnostic purposes, there has not been established guidance for clinicians about if or when follow-up testing should be performed in patients with a diagnosis of OSA. AASM’s new statement and guidelines were written by a task force of five sleep medicine experts. Read about the new guidelines here
Dentists can make a difference when it comes to pediatric sleep apnea cases
Sleep Review
Diana Batoon, a mother of two from Scottsdale, Arizona, wanted to help her children beat sleep apnea. As a general dentist who’s practiced for over 24 years, Batoon’s experience with following her children’s treatment journey inspired her to learn more about what contributes to upper airway collapse during sleep. Turns out, Batoon is not alone in her experience with children who have sleep apnea. Read her story and how she has incorporated dental sleep medicine into her practice.
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Why hitting the snooze button on your alarm in the morning is unhealthy and can throw off your entire day
ETNT Health
Your sleep schedule, morning routine, and the way you wake up sets the tone for your entire day. Your circadian rhythm, also known as your body's internal clock, is responsible for the quality and quantity of sleep you get. If you rely heavily on a few snooze cycles every morning, it may mean you're suffering from a sleep disorder or simply not getting enough high-quality sleep, according to Dr. Reena Mehra, M.D., M.S. from the Cleveland Clinic.
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What You Should Know About Microsleep
Cleveland Clinic
A sleep expert from Cleveland Clinic weighs in on this potentially dangerous but common condition, which can be triggered by sleep apnea.
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Snoring vs. Sleep Apnea – Is There a Difference?
UNC Health Talk
Snoring is a major symptom of a serious condition called sleep apnea, characterized by interrupted breathing throughout the night. It’s a disorder that carries serious long-term health consequences. University of Carolina Health System’s “Health Talk” suggests asking yourself these questions to find out what you know about snoring, sleep apnea and how to tell the difference between the two.
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How to clean a CPAP machine
Medical News Today
Bacteria and fungi can grow in CPAPs, as can viruses. Allergens, dirt, dust, mold, and pollen can also get into them. Unless people remove these contaminants, they can cause serious illnesses for CPAP users, as well as interfere with the functioning of the unit and make it smell unpleasant.The FDA recommends that people clean CPAP machines by hand and according to manufacturer instructions.
Learn how to best clean a CPAP machine
Wide-awake diagnosis of sleep apnea could enable better surgical care
Sleep Review
With 90 percent accuracy, a new type of smart technology, called AWakeOSA, can determine those in need of sleep apnea treatment, and can be used as an accurate screening tool to reduce the number of people needing full PSG (polysomnography) assessment, according to Sleep Review Magazine.
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What I Learned From My Sleep Study
WebMD
A lot of people have sleep apnea and don't know it. Many people think heavy snoring is an indicator, but that isn’t always the case. You must take what’s known as a sleep study to know for sure. Writer Brian Lamacraft opens up about his personal sleep test experience, and explains what he learned from the test in a blog for WebMD.
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Untreated sleep apnea tied to COVID-19 infections, more severe cases
Health Day
According to a study recently presented during SLEEP 2021, an annual meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, untreated sleep apnea is associated with increased rates of COVID-19 infection, while positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy is associated with lower COVID-19 infection rates.
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Study evaluates physical activity and sedentary behavior in relation to OSA risk
News Medical Life Sciences
Being more physically active and spending fewer hours per day sitting watching TV is linked to a substantially lower risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), according to new research published in the European Respiratory Journal . It is the first study to simultaneously evaluate physical activity and sedentary behavior in relation to OSA risk.
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Why sleeping in the fetal position is best for people with sleep apnea
Sleep Foundation
Sleeping on your side can help reduce snoring and may help prevent the blockages to your airway associated with obstructive sleep apnea, according to the Sleep Foundation. Studies have found that people with sleep apnea who sleep on their sides are less likely to experience disruptive breathing during the night.
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Sleep apnea is more common in kids than previously thought. It could also be setting them up for failure at school.
Yahoo! News
The American Heart Association said sleep apnea is common in kids and teens, affecting 1% to 6% of all children and 30% to 60% of obese adolescents. Learn more about what health experts recommend to help overcome the struggle of sleep apnea.
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11 Things That Make Sleep Apnea Worse
US News
Here's what may be contributing to sleep apnea and what you can do to improve it.
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The complex dynamic between sleep apnea, sleep deprivation, and depression.
Psychology Today
Depression is common among men and women with sleep apnea—and it can hurt intimacy. The depression that can go hand-in-hand with untreated OSA too often gets overlooked. A 2020 study conducted by the CDC found that OSA and its symptoms are strongly associated with major depression. By treating sleep apnea, you can also treat depression.
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What Is a BiPAP Machine and What’s It Used For?
Healthline
You may have heard of CPAP and APAP machines, but there are also bilevel positive airway pressure (BPAP) machines. “BiPAP” is a trade name, while BPAP is the type of device. Healthline takes a closer look at what BPAP machines are, how they work, and what to expect if you use one.
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3 signs you need to see a sleep specialist
TODAY
If you can’t function properly during the day — or your partner can’t — it might be a good idea to talk to an expert. Here is what sleep experts are saying about when to seek help for sleep disturbances.
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Survey: Women Experienced Worse Sleep Quality in 2020
HomeCare
ResMed, a digital health company, revealed 35% of women reported worse sleep quality in the past year compared to just 26% of men, according to HomeCare Magazine. Women selected stress and anxiety as the most significant impacts on their sleep. The survey also reported many are ignoring sleep challenges that could point to a larger underlying health concern. Learn more about ResMed’s sleep survey or take a free quiz about your risk for sleep apnea.
Men’s Health Month Message: Men, take care of your health
California News Times
In recognition of Men’s Health Month, we encourage men to take care of their health to help prevent serious health concerns, including sleep apnea, heart disease, high blood pressure and prostate cancer. California News Times shares why it’s important for men to take care of themselves.
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Wide-Awake Diagnosis of Sleep Apnea Could Enable Better Surgical Care
Sleep Review
The widespread underdiagnosis of sleep apnea becomes crucial for those who need general anesthesia before a surgery, because apneic patients need special care after surgery. Being able to detect OSA within a few minutes when a patient is awake would help ensure these patients receive the care they need. That is what the new AWakeOSA technology, developed at the University of Manitoba, promises.
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Dangerous Side Effects of Not Sleeping Enough, Say Experts
Eat This, Not That!
It's understandable if you're having trouble sleeping. With the coronavirus pandemic, who can relax during a time like this? However, not getting a good night's sleep only makes things worse.
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Dental appliances for sleep apnea: Do they work?
Harvard Health
People with mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea might find relief from dental devices as potential treatment solution. Sogol Javaheri, MD, MPH, MA, a sleep specialist at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital explores the various dental devices that might help with sleep apnea.
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Why Sleep Apnea Raises Your Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death
Cleveland Clinic
Obstructive sleep apnea is common and linked to many medical problems. One common problem you may not be aware of is sudden cardiac arrest.
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Sleep won’t cure the coronavirus but it can help our bodies fight it
The Conversation
Getting a good night’s sleep can be difficult when you’re anxious or have something on your mind – a global pandemic, for example. Right now though, getting a good night’s sleep could be more important than ever as sleep can boost our immune function and help us deal with stress.
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How sleep can help prevent heart disease
AMA
Sleep affects us physiologically, but also affects our emotional and mental state, according to Dr. Cate Collings, MD, cardiologist and president of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, and member of the American Medical Association. There’s a lot of sleep apnea that is not yet diagnosed and treated, which increases the risk for many health problems, including high blood pressure, arrhythmias, heart attack and stroke.
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Sleep Apnea Pill Earns $25 Million in Financing for Continued Development & Commercialization
Sleep Review
Apnimed, a clinical-stage company focused on advancing pharmacologic treatments for sleep apnea and related disorders, has raised $25 million in a Series B financing to advance its lead program, AD109, an oral disease-modifying therapeutic for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, which is currently in late-stage Phase 2 clinical trials.
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Always Waking Up With a Headache? Here’s What Your Body Is Trying to Tell You
Livestrong
Do you wake up in the morning with a headache? Obstructive sleep apnea could be one of the culprits. Learn how to identify potential headache triggers.
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Sleep & Corporate Health
Sleep Review
Among self-insured employers, sleep is becoming more and more recognized as a central component of employee health. Medical cost savings, reduced accident risk, enhanced employee productivity, and especially regulatory compliance are each powerful reasons for increased corporate interest in sleep.
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Study explores sleep apnea, autoimmune disease link
UGA Today
New research by University of Georgia scientists sheds light on why people with obstructive sleep apnea may have associated autoimmune disorders. The results could lead to better approaches to treatment and possibly new drug therapies.
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Do I Have a Sleep Disorder?
The Good Men Project
Many people just want to sleep. However, a good night’s sleep is hard to come by for many people. It should be a simple process; you just close your eyes and open them eight hours later. However, your body tends to have other plans. This comprehensive guide to sleep disorders can help you identify why you might not be getting a good night’s sleep.
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Sleep apnea and autoimmune diseases: How are they connected?
Medical News Today
In a new study, researchers investigated inflammatory cytokines that are associated with both obstructive sleep apnea and autoimmune diseases. They found that cytokine levels are abnormal in people with untreated obstructed sleep apnea.
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What you need to know about how sleep apnea affects your heart
Heart.org
If you’ve ever awakened yourself with a sudden snore — or if your partner nudges you awake to get you to turn over — it’s possible you could be affected by sleep apnea, which is associated with high blood pressure, arrhythmia, stroke and heart failure.
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Floppy eyelid syndrome correlates strongly with sleep apnea, keratoconus
Healio
The association between floppy eyelid syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea is so prevalent that every patient who is diagnosed with the syndrome should automatically be evaluated for sleep apnea, medical experts say.
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How does sleep apnea affect the heart?
Harvard Health
My husband is reluctant to get tested for sleep apnea. But I’m pretty sure that he has it, and I’m concerned because I’ve heard that it can contribute to heart disease. How are these two conditions connected?
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How Artificial Intelligence Could Change Sleep Apnea Management
Sleep Review
Thinking machines have been the realms of scientific theory and fiction for more than 200 years—from mathematician Charles Babbage’s difference engine to author Arthur C. Clarke’s HAL 9000—and until recently they have been little more than the stuff of dreams.
But thanks to recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), a new class of machines is here to learn how to help people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have pleasant dreams.
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AHA News: Sleep Disorders Plague Stroke Survivors - and Put Them at Risk
HealthDay
People who have strokes or mini-strokes often experience a wide range of sleep disorders in the months that follow, a problem that can put them at increased risk for subsequent strokes, an analysis shows.
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Cleveland Clinic presents Wake up to Wellness, Focus on Healthy Sleep with Dr. Nancy Foldvary-Schaefer, DO
Surgery May Help Treat Sleep Apnea
WebMD
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) may be the go-to treatment for sleep apnea, but many people struggle to use it every night.
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How does sleep apnea affect the heart?
Harvard Health Publishing
Sleep apnea and heart health - Harvard Health Letter explains the link between sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease.
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Study links increased exercise with lower sleep apnea risk
American Academy of Sleep Medicine
A study published online as an accepted paper in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that increased physical activity is associated with a lower risk of obstructive sleep apnea, a common sleep-related breathing disorder.
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Can PAP Therapy Machines Increase the Risk of Spreading the Coronavirus?
Find out how you can keep yourself and those around you safe
Cleveland Clinic
Imagine always feeling tired. You think you’re getting enough sleep, but you really aren’t.
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Waking Up With a Headache?
Why your aching head might be a sign of a sleep disorder
Cleveland Clinic
When you have a pounding headache, being unconscious might sound like a nice alternative. But what happens when sleep itself is the trigger for your aching head?
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Wake Up to Sleep Disorders 2019
In late October 2019, medical professionals from a wide range of specialties gathered for the 10th Cleveland Clinic symposium “Wake Up to Sleep Disorders 2019: A Cleveland Clinic Sleep Disorders Center Update.” Centered around emerging therapies and new perspectives, the symposium featured a diverse panel of experts who introduced innovative research and cutting-edge treatments, and advancements in behavioral sleep medicine and the continually-evolving landscape of sleep technology.
The symposium covered a number of sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, which affects an estimated 1 of 3 adult Americans. Topics included:
· Advancements in sleep apnea care delivery
· Hypoglossal nerve stimulation
· Behavioral modification to improve patient CPAP compliance
· Innovations in technology to identify and monitor symptoms
We applaud Dr. Nancy Folvary-Schaefer, Director of the Sleep Disorders Center at Cleveland Clinic, and her team for their commitment to continuing medical education. Specifically, we are grateful for their efforts to educate the broader medical community about sleep apnea and for encouraging the very conversations that have the potential to lead to early diagnosis and treatment… and even save lives.
Symposium Brochure:
http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/live/courses/sleepdisorders/
For more information on sleep apnea, visit:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8718-sleep-apnea
The Role of Sleep in Lung Health
MD Magazine
Poor sleep can drive worsened pulmonary health. Worsened pulmonary health is associated with symptoms which can drive poor sleep.
The cyclical burden of sleep apnea and respiratory symptoms is one which requires a direct address, from patient to physician. In an interview with MD Magazine®, Al Rizzo, MD, chief medical officer of the American Lung Association, broke down the strain of sleep conditions on pulmonary health, and how most patients present to their physicians.
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Sleep Apnea Linked to Faster Aging
BedTimes
Sleep apnea and other sleep-breathing disorders can cause a host of problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. Now a new study by researchers at Harvard Medical School in Boston has added accelerated aging to the list.
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You Don’t Have To Be Old, Male Or Overweight To Have Sleep Apnea
Longevity Live
You’re probably like thousands of others who think that only older, overweight or sick men suffer from sleep apnea. If this is the case, you’re wrong. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine estimates that as many as 26% of adults as young as 30 to 70 years have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and more and more sufferers are women. Sadly, many are often misdiagnosed or not even diagnosed when they seek help, due to stereotyping.
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Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Alternatives to PAP Therapy
Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Alternatives to PAP Therapy webcast, part of the Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Cleveland Clinic State-of-the-Art Review online series, will review the conservative as well as surgical interventions for obstructive sleep apnea.
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Reena Mehra, MD, MS: ADHERE Cohort Gender Findings
MD Magazine
New findings from the two-year, international-based ADHERE cohort found that upper airway stimulation (UAS)—a form of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) care on the rise in the US—is actually more beneficial for female patients than male patients.
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Sleep Apnea Can Make Managing Diabetes More Difficult: What You Need To Know
Manage your sleep apnea and keep your diabetes in check
April 23, 2019
Cleveland Clinic
Do you snore? Do you feel fatigued every day? Do you wake up frequently throughout the night? It may be that the shallow breathing or breaks in breathing caused by sleep apnea are the reason. If you have diabetes, it is critical to manage your sleep apnea. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), approximately 18 million people have sleep apnea, with up to 80 percent of people undiagnosed.
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Trouble snoozing? Sleep is a crucial process of the human body and is an important component of health and wellness. If you suffer from poor sleep, it can affect you in more ways than just making you tired. So when it comes to sleep patterns and behavior, what is considered normal? Sleep specialist, Dr. Nancy Foldvary-Schaefer, is here to answer your questions and get you back to bed.
The Cleveland Clinic Sleep Disorders Center held a symposium Saturday on Sleep Essentials for Nursing Providers. The symposium, the first of its kind, was well attended and focused on how best to optimize a whole care team approach for diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders.
Optimizing Care Team Approach for Sleep Disorders
Cleveland Clinic
Course Description
Sleep disorders affect over 70 million Americans and cost the U.S. economy nearly $150 billion annually in lost productivity and preventable accidents. At the 1st Cleveland Clinic Nursing Sleep Symposium, we are fighting back.
Frequently undiagnosed or untreated, chronic sleep disturbances are associated with a host of adverse health and psychosocial outcomes. The goals of this symposium are to increase awareness of common sleep disorders and their treatments and discuss opportunities for advanced practice nurses, physician assistants, nurses and medical assistants to participate in the management of sleep disorders and innovate team-based sleep care delivery models.
The program will highlight prevalent disorders including obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia that have broad implications on population health and lend themselves to team-based care. The stimulating agenda will provide a comprehensive update of sleep disorders including focused breakout sessions on novel therapeutic interventions presented by multidisciplinary teams. The role of nursing in sleep medicine care delivery and the impact of shift work and chronic sleep loss on healthcare providers will be emphasized.
We invite you to join us for what promises to be an innovative and informative program.
Beyond Heart Health: Consequences of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Beyond Heart Health: Consequences of Obstructive Sleep Apnea webcast, part of the Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Cleveland Clinic State-of-the-Art Review online series, will review the consequences of obstructive sleep apnea.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Cleveland Clinic State-of-the-Art Review
Sleep Apnea and the Heart webcast, part of the Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Cleveland Clinic State-of-the-Art Review online series, will review the physiology of sleep-heart interactions.