Improvement In Daytime Sleepiness Research Articles

Patient experiences with telehealth in sleep medicine: a qualitative evaluation.

The field of sleep medicine has been an avid adopter of telehealth, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of this study was to assess patients' experiences receiving sleep care by telehealth. From June 2019 to May 2020, the authors recruited a sample of patients for semi-structured interviews, including patients who had 1 of 3 types of telehealth encounters in sleep medicine: in-clinic video, home-based video, and telephone. Two analysts coded transcripts using content analysis and identified themes that cut across patients and categories. The authors conducted interviews with 35 patients and identified 5 themes. (1) Improved access to care: Patients appreciated telehealth as providing access to sleep care in a timely and convenient manner. (2) Security and privacy: Patients described how home-based telehealth afforded them greater feelings of safety and security due to avoidance of anxiety-provoking triggers (eg, crowds). Patients also noted a potential loss of privacy with telehealth. (3) Personalization of care: Patients described experiences with telehealth care that either improved or hindered their ability to communicate their needs. (4) Patient empowerment: Patients described how telehealth empowered them to manage their sleep disorders. (5) Unmet needs: Patients recognized specific areas where telehealth did not meet their needs, including the need for tangible services (eg, mask fitting). Patients expressed both positive and negative experiences, highlighting areas where telehealth can be further adapted. As telehealth in sleep medicine continues to evolve, the authors encourage providers to consider these aspects of the patient experience. Donovan LM, Mog AC, Blanchard KN, et al. Patient experiences with telehealth in sleep medicine: a qualitative evaluation. J Clin Sleep Med. 2021;17(8):1645-1651.

Daily Morning Blue Light Therapy for Post-mTBI Sleep Disruption: Effects on Brain Structure and Function.

Background: Mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs) are associated with novel or worsened sleep disruption. Several studies indicate that daily morning blue light therapy (BLT) is effective for reducing post-mTBI daytime sleepiness and fatigue. Studies demonstrating changes in brain structure and function following BLT are limited. The present study's purpose is to identify the effect of daily morning BLT on brain structure and functional connectivity and the association between these changes and self-reported change in post-mTBI daytime sleepiness.Methods: A total of 62 individuals recovering from a mTBI were recruited from two US cities to participate in a double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Eligible individuals were randomly assigned to undergo 6 weeks of 30 min daily morning blue or placebo amber light therapy (ALT). Prior to and following treatment all individuals completed a comprehensive battery that included the Epworth Sleepiness Scale as a measure of self-reported daytime sleepiness. All individuals underwent a multimodal neuroimaging battery that included anatomical and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Atlas-based regional change in gray matter volume (GMV) and region-to-region functional connectivity from baseline to post-treatment were the primary endpoints for this study.Results: After adjusting for pre-treatment GMV, individuals receiving BLT had greater GMV than those receiving amber light in 15 regions of interest, including the right thalamus and bilateral prefrontal and orbitofrontal cortices. Improved daytime sleepiness was associated with greater GMV in 74 ROIs, covering many of the same general regions. Likewise, BLT was associated with increased functional connectivity between the thalamus and both prefrontal and orbitofrontal cortices. Improved daytime sleepiness was associated with increased functional connectivity between attention and cognitive control networks as well as decreased connectivity between visual, motor, and attention networks (all FDR corrected p < 0.05).Conclusions: Following daily morning BLT, moderate to large increases in both gray matter volume and functional connectivity were observed in areas and networks previously associated with both sleep regulation and daytime cognitive function, alertness, and attention. Additionally, these findings were associated with improvements in self-reported daytime sleepiness. Further work is needed to identify the personal characteristics that may selectively identify individuals recovering from a mTBI for whom BLT may be optimally beneficial.

Impact of CPAP treatment for a short period in moderate-to-severe OSAS patients: a randomized double-blind clinical trial

IntroductionObesity is the most frequent reversible agravating factor of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, with physical activity very important for its control. Continuous positive air pressure during sleep is the “gold standard” treatment for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Objectivewe aimed to investigate if the use of continuous positive air pressure for a short period (7 days), would improve sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and the disposition for physical activity. MethodsEighty obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients were randomly assigned as follows: group I – continuous positive air pressure with a steady pressure of 4 cm H2O; group II – ideal therapeutic pressure. After filling out the questionnaires related to the studied variables (International physical activity questionnaire long-form, Epworth sleepiness scale, Pittsburgh sleep quality index), patients underwent a baseline pulmonary function test and continuous positive air pressure titration. After continuous positive air pressure therapy for 4≥ hours a night for 7 consecutive days, patients returned and filled out new (International physical activity questionnaire long-form, Epworth sleepiness scale, Pittsburgh sleep quality index) forms. New spirometry was carried out. Results39 patients completed the study. The mean age was 52 ± 11 years old and 28 patients (71.79%) were obese. Both groups were similar for all variables studied at baseline. After Continuous positive air pressure use, patients of group II presented more significant improvements (p < 0.05) for sleep quality and diurnal sleepiness. Time spent with physical activities did not change. Spirometric data were at normal range at baseline. Solely the variable FEF 25%–75% was significantly enhanced (p < 0.05) in group II. ConclusionContinuous positive air pressure therapy for 1 week, with ideal pressure, improves daytime sleepiness and sleep quality, enhances pulmonary function, but does not change the mean time spent with physical activities.

The public health burden of obstructive sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common respiratory disorder of sleep. The vast majority (>80%) of adults with moderate to severe OSA remain undiagnosed. The economic costs associated with OSA are substantial for both the individual and society as a whole; expenses are likely to be underestimated given that the disease remains undiagnosed in such a large percentage of individuals. The economic burden of motor vehicle collisions related to OSA alone is significant; it is estimated that 810,000 collisions and 1400 fatalities from car crashes in the United States were attributable to sleep apnea in 2000. The many health consequences of OSA include daytime sleepiness, reduced quality of life, decreased learning skills, and importantly, neurocognitive impairments that include impaired episodic memory, executive function, attention and visuospatial cognitive functions. Untreated OSA leads to numerous medical problems such as cardiovascular diseases that can potentially increase healthcare utilization. Untreated patients with sleep apnea consume a disproportionate amount of healthcare resources, expenditures that decrease after treatment. The gold-standard management of OSA remains treatment with CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), which is effective in eliminating sleep fragmentation and preserving nocturnal oxygenation, thereby improving daytime sleepiness and quality of life. However, its impacts in reversing neurocognitive function are still uncertain. A significant impediment to CPAP effectiveness is low adherence rates (ranges from 50% to 75%). It is commonly accepted that CPAP improves excessive drowsiness; hence meliorates attention, and accumulating data suggest that CPAP improves a variety of other outcomes such as the risk of motor vehicle crashes.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on narcolepsy type 1 management.

Study ObjectivesNarcolepsy type 1 (NT1) is a chronic rare hypersomnia of central origin requiring a combination of behavioral and pharmacological treatments. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, in Italy the population was forced into a lockdown. With this study, we aimed to describe the lockdown impact on NT1 symptom management, according to different patients' working schedule.MethodsIn the period between 10 April and 15 May 2020, we performed routine follow‐up visits by telephone (as recommended during the COVID‐19 emergency) to 50 patients >18 years old (40% males) under stable long‐term treatment. We divided patients into three groups: unchanged working schedule, forced working/studying at home, and those who lost their job (“lost occupation”). Current sleep–wake habit and symptom severity were compared with prelockdown assessment (six months before) in the three patient groups.ResultsAt assessment, 20, 22, and eight patients belonged to the unchanged, working/studying at home, and lost occupation groups, respectively. While in the lost occupation group, there were no significant differences compared with prepandemic assessment, the patients with unchanged schedules reported more nocturnal awakenings, and NT1 patients working/studying at home showed an extension of nocturnal sleep time, more frequent daytime napping, improvement of daytime sleepiness, and a significant increase in their body mass index. Sleep‐related paralysis/hallucinations, automatic behaviors, cataplexy, and disturbed nocturnal sleep did not differ.ConclusionsNarcolepsy type 1 patients working/studying at home intensified behavioral interventions (increased nocturnal sleep time and daytime napping) and ameliorated daytime sleepiness despite presenting with a slight, but significant, increase of weight.

A quantitative analysis of the effect of bilateral subthalamic nucleus-deep brain stimulation on subjective and objective sleep parameters in Parkinson's disease

ObjectiveTo explore how subjective and objective sleep parameters respond to bilateral subthalamic nucleus-deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). MethodsThirty DBS sleep studies were included by searching PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, and only 21 prospectively designed studies, including 541 patients, were eligible for the main analysis. We evaluated sleep disturbance using 1 objective measurement, polysomnography (PSG), and 4 subjective scales, including PD Sleep Scale (PDSS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and restless legs syndrome (RLS). We pooled data using the standard mean difference (SMD). The primary outcome was a change in sleep parameters 6 months postoperatively. Outcomes from <12 months to ≥12 months follow-up were compared in the subgroup analysis. Meta-regression was further conducted. ResultsSTN-DBS significantly improved all 4 subjective sleep scales in the 6-month follow-up: ESS (SMD = 0.234), PDSS (SMD = 0.724), PSQI (SMD = 1.374) and RLS (SMD = 1.086), while most PSG parameters remained unchanged, except for shortened rapid eye movement sleep latency (RSL) (SMD = 0.520). In the over-12-month follow-up, improvement persisted in PDSS but not in ESS. Dopamine drug reduction (p = 0.009) and motor improvement (p = 0.036) were correlated with ESS improvement and PDSS improvement, respectively. ConclusionsBilateral STN-DBS continuously improved subjective nocturnal sleep, while its effect on ESS lasted for only 1 year. Medication reduction and motor improvement may contribute to improved daytime sleepiness and better subjective nocturnal sleep, respectively. Except for a shortened RSL, STN-DBS did not change PSG parameters, including sleep efficiency and sleep architecture. RegistrationOpen Science Framework: DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/3EGRC.

Can adenosine A2A receptor antagonists be used to treat cognitive impairment, depression or excessive sleepiness in Parkinson's disease?

Treatment of non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) is a major unmet need. Targeting adenosine A2A receptors may address some of the neuropsychiatric components of non-motor symptoms – notably cognitive impairment, depression and excessive daytime sleepiness. A2A receptors are located primarily on the indirect gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic striatal output pathway but are also present to some extent in limbic areas of the brain, particularly the nucleus accumbens. Extensive studies show that adenosine antagonists are effective in reversing cognitive deficits in a range of experimental models related to the early executive and visuo-spatial deficits seen in PD. Similarly, A2A receptor antagonists can reverse depressive symptoms in experimental models of PD, including models with high predictive value of effect in humans, and to the same extent as classical antidepressants. Importantly, A2A antagonists are effective in models of the motivational symptoms of depression, which may relate to the apathetic/anhedonic expression of depression that can occur in PD. Adenosine and A2A receptors play a prominent role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle with arousal attributed to A2A receptor antagonism. In rodents, A2A receptor antagonists appear to induce arousal in the active part of the daily cycle only, and not during the inactive phase. This was suggested in small clinical studies in PD where A2A antagonism improved daytime sleepiness without impairing nocturnal sleep. In conclusion, A2A antagonists have potential to affect a range of neuropsychiatric components of PD; this clinical potential requires further investigation in humans.

Adherence to a Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH)-Style in Relation to Daytime Sleepiness.

BackgroundThe beneficial impact of adherence to a DASH diet on several metabolic conditions and psychological well-being has been shown previously. Dietary modification can affect sleep quality. Thus, the aim of this present study was to investigate the correlation between adherence to the DASH diet and daytime sleepiness score in adolescent girls.MethodsA total of 535 adolescent girls aged between 12 and 18 years old were recruited from different regions of Khorasan Razavi in northeastern of Iran, using a random cluster sampling method. DASH scores were determined according to the method of Fung et al. A Persian translation of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS-IR) was used to assess of daytime sleepiness. To investigate the correlation between DASH-style diet and daytime sleepiness score, we applied logistic regression analysis in crude and adjusted models.ResultsAs may be expected, participants with the greatest adherence to the DASH diet had significantly higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, fish and nuts, and lower consumption of refined grains, red and processed meat, sugar-sweetened beverages and sweets. There was an inverse correlation between adherence to the DASH-style diet and scores for daytime sleepiness in crude model (β= −0.12; P=0.005). These findings were remained significant after adjustment for confounding variables (β= −0.08 P=0.04).ConclusionThere is an inverse correlation between adherence to DASH diet and daytime sleepiness score. Further studies, particularly longitudinal studies, are required to determine whether dietary intervention may improve daytime sleepiness.

1160 Improved Daytime Sleepiness Following Daily Morning Blue Light Therapy Is Associated With Altered Resting-state Network Connectivity

Abstract Introduction Light exposure, particularly blue wavelength light, has consistent positive effects on daytime sleepiness following mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs). While self-perceived improvements in daytime sleepiness are well-documented, the neurobiological underpinnings are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to localize changes in functional connectivity after daily morning blue light therapy (BLT) and to associate these changes with improvements in post-mTBI daytime sleepiness. Methods 29 individuals with a history of mTBI were randomized to receive either BLT (n=13) or placebo amber light (ALT; n=16). All participants self-reported daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS); lower is better) and underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging at pre- and post-treatment. Whole-brain functional connectivity (FC) was estimated as the correlations between 400 cortical regions of interest (ROIs) assigned to 7 resting-state networks. A two-sample T-test for post-treatment ROI-to-ROI FC identified target connections (FDR corrected p&amp;lt;0.01). Post-treatment ESS scores and FC for these connections were correlated for treatment-related brain-behavior associations (uncorrected p&amp;lt;0.05). Results Lower FC after BLT in 4 ROI-to-ROI connections linking the default mode and visual networks was associated with lower ESS scores. Higher FC after BLT in 9 ROI-to-ROI connections linking attention, cognitive control, and visual networks was also associated with lower ESS scores. Conclusion BLT resulted in decreased self-reported daytime sleepiness, which was associated with decoupling of the default mode and visual networks as well as increased connectivity between and within attention and cognitive control networks, suggesting potentially improved attention to relevant stimuli and cognitive processes and less internal mentation. These associations may contribute to improved alertness, attention, and cognitive performance following a mTBI. Further work is needed to identify the optimal timing and dosage of BLT to maximize these outcomes. Support This study was funded by an award to Dr. Killgore from the US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC; award number: W81XWH-14-1-0571).

1256 Narcolepsy Type 2 in a Pediatric Patient with Auto-Immune Disease

Abstract Introduction We present a case of Narcolepsy Type 2 in the setting of concomitant auto-immune disease. Report of Case At 9 years of age, an African-American female was referred to a sleep center for fatigue, excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), and snoring. Polysomnogram (PSG) at an outside facility recorded a total sleep time (TST) of 408 minutes, 92% sleep efficiency (SE), sleep onset latency (SOL) 22 minutes, REM latency 70 minutes, and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of 0.3. Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) was not done at that time. Due to her daytime sleepiness, methylphenidate was initiated empirically twice daily with improvement in daytime sleepiness and sleep maintenance. Over time, methylphenidate was steadily increased due to increasing daytime sleepiness. Between 14 to 15 years of age, she developed increased fatigue, skin changes, arthralgias, myalgias, and presented to our hospital in respiratory distress secondary to severe pulmonary hypertension. Clinical exam and workup indicated scleroderma. Methylphenidate was discontinued due to pulmonary hypertension. At 17 years of age (after receiving treatment for scleroderma and pulmonary hypertension), she had an overnight PSG followed by MSLT. PSG recorded TST 309 minutes, 67% SE, SOL 1.5 minutes, REM latency 48 minutes, AHI 0.2. The MSLT recorded a mean SOL of 2.4 minutes with 2 out of 4 sleep onset REM periods - diagnostic of narcolepsy. She does not endorse cataplexy, hallucinations or sleep paralysis. Conclusion While the link between Narcolepsy Type 1 and an auto-mediated process is more supported given consistent human leukocyte antigen findings, the link between Narcolepsy Type 2 and auto-immune mediated process is less clear. Patients with autoimmune disease may have symptoms of narcolepsy; therefore, they may benefit from screening for EDS.

Daily Morning Blue Light Therapy Improves Daytime Sleepiness, Sleep Quality, and Quality of Life Following a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

Identify the treatment effects of 6 weeks of daily 30-minute sessions of morning blue light therapy compared with placebo amber light therapy in the treatment of sleep disruption following mild traumatic brain injury. Placebo-controlled randomized trial. Adults aged 18 to 45 years with a mild traumatic brain injury within the past 18 months (n = 35). Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Beck Depression Inventory II, Rivermead Post-concussion Symptom Questionnaire, Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire, and actigraphy-derived sleep measures. Following treatment, moderate to large improvements were observed with individuals in the blue light therapy group reporting lower Epworth Sleepiness Scale (Hedges' g = 0.882), Beck Depression Inventory II (g = 0.684), Rivermead Post-concussion Symptom Questionnaire chronic (g = 0.611), and somatic (g = 0.597) symptoms, and experiencing lower normalized wake after sleep onset (g = 0.667) than those in the amber light therapy group. In addition, individuals in the blue light therapy group experienced greater total sleep time (g = 0.529) and reported improved Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire scores (g = 0.929) than those in the amber light therapy group. Daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and sleep disruption are common following a mild traumatic brain injury. These findings further substantiate blue light therapy as a promising nonpharmacological approach to improve these sleep-related complaints with the added benefit of improved postconcussion symptoms and depression severity.

1092 Attention-deficit/hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms And Sleep Characteristics Within A Seasonal Affective Disorder Spectrum

Abstract Introduction Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) increases risk for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), although the mechanism linking SAD and ADHD is unknown. Prior research has identified insomnia and delayed sleep phase in both ADHD and SAD. We hypothesized that sleep duration and timing in SAD would be associated with the severity of ADHD symptoms. Methods Adults with SAD (n = 45) and subsyndromal SAD (S-SAD; n = 18) aged 19-66 years from Pittsburgh, PA., were assessed for ADHD symptoms, self-report sleep quality, depression severity, and daytime sleepiness in the Winter. Participants wore an Actiwatch for 4-14 days, from which we calculated sleep-onset latency, total sleep time, sleep midpoint, and sleep efficiency. We conducted a hierarchical multivariate linear regression to determine if sleep characteristics predict ADHD symptom severity in our sample while controlling for depressive symptoms. Age and gender were added in Step 1, seasonal depression severity in Step 2, actigraphy-based total sleep time, sleep onset latency, midpoint, and efficiency in Step 3, and self-reported sleep quality and daytime sleepiness in Step 4. Results Participants mostly scored in the “likely” or “highly likely” ADHD range (87.30%, n=55), higher than the national prevalence rate (4.4%). When controlling for age, gender, and depression severity, only shorter actigraphy-based total sleep time was associated with higher ADHD symptom severity (β=-0.30, p&amp;lt;0.05). However, when self-reported sleep quality and daytime sleepiness were added as predictors, total sleep time was no longer a statistically-significant predictor of ADHD symptom severity and only daytime sleepiness predicted ADHD symptom severity (β=0.31, p&amp;lt;0.05). Conclusion Our results suggest that individuals with SAD who experience daytime sleepiness and/or possibly shorter actigraphy-based sleep duration experience higher ADHD symptom severity. Treatments like Trans-C or CBT-I to improve daytime sleepiness and sleep duration may be indicated for SAD patients who present with comorbid ADHD symptoms. Support NIMH K.A.R. MH103303

Effects of Wait Times on Treatment Adherence and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Severe Sleep-Disordered Breathing

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is common and associated with substantial adverse health consequences. Long wait times for SDB care are commonly reported; however, it is unclear whether wait times for care are associated with clinical outcomes. To evaluate the association of wait times for care with clinical outcomes for patients with severe SDB. This study is a secondary analysis of a randomized clinical noninferiority trial comparing management by alternative care practitioners (ACPs) with traditional sleep physician-led care between October 2014 and May 2017. The study took place at Foothills Medical Centre Sleep Centre, a tertiary care multidisciplinary sleep clinic at the University of Calgary. Patients with severe SDB (defined as a respiratory event index ≥30 events per hour during home sleep apnea testing, mean nocturnal oxygen saturation ≤85%, or suspected sleep hypoventilation syndrome) were recruited for the study. Patients were excluded if they were suspected of having a concomitant sleep disorder other than SDB or had previously been treated with positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy for SDB. Data were analyzed from October 2017 to January 2020. Outcomes were assessed 3 months after treatment initiation with adherence to PAP therapy as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included Epworth Sleepiness Scale score, health-related quality of life, and patient satisfaction measured using the Visit-Specific Satisfaction Instrument-9. Multiple regression models were used to assess the associations between wait times and each of the outcomes. t tests were used to compare wait times for patients who were adherent to PAP therapy (≥4 hours per night for 70% of nights) with those for nonadherent patients. One hundred fifty-six patients (112 [71.8%] men; mean [SD] age, 56 [12] years) were included in the analysis. The mean time from referral to initial visit was 88 days (95% CI, 79 to 96 days), and the mean time to treatment was 123 days (95% CI, 112 to 133 days). Shorter wait time to treatment initiation was associated with adherence to PAP therapy (odds ratio, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.98 to 0.99; P = .04), greater improvement in Epworth Sleepiness Scale score (mean coefficient, -9.37; 95% CI, -18.51 to -0.24; P = .04), and higher Visit-Specific Satisfaction Instrument-9 score (mean coefficient, -0.024; 95% CI, -0.047 to -0.0015; P = .04) at 3 months. Compared with nonadherent patients, those who were adherent to treatment waited a mean of 15 fewer days (95% CI, 12 to 19 days) for initial assessment (P = .07) and 30 fewer days (95% CI, 23 to 35 days) for treatment initiation (P = .008). Earlier initiation of treatment for severe SDB was associated with better PAP adherence and greater improvements in daytime sleepiness and patient satisfaction. These findings suggest that system interventions to improve timely access may modify patient behavior and improve clinical outcomes. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02191085.

Change in Quality of Life of OSAHS Patients with Minimally Invasive Surgery or CPAP Therapy: A 2-year Retrospective, Single-center Parallel-group Study.

By including untreated obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) patients as the control group, this study explores the influence of minimally invasive surgical treatment and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy on OSAHS patients, with the subjective and objective performance. The study also discusses their relationship, determines the effect factor, and provides a simple and practical method for evaluation of clinical efficacy. A total of 90 OSAHS patients, who were diagnosed in the Sleep Disorders Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Sichuan Province from May 2014 to May 2016, were selected for the present study. These patients were divided into three groups: surgery group, CPAP group, and untreated group. These patients were followed up at six months, one year, and two years, respectively. The physiological indicators, clinical symptoms, degree of daytime sleepiness and quality of life were compared among these three groups. The daytime sleepiness and the quality of life before and after minimally invasive surgery and CPAP treatment were evaluated, and the subjective and objective efficacy of surgery and CPAP treatment was explored. Among these 90 patients, 11 (12.2%) patients had hypertension, while two (2.2%) patients had diabetes. The average AHI score was 50.53±23.39 per hour, and the mean minimum oxygen saturation and mean oxygen saturation was 71.25±14.16% and 90.13±5.90%, respectively. There were statistically significant differences in mouth breathing, morning sore throat and daytime sleepiness in the group having received surgery at 0.5 year and one year. In the CPAP group, there were statistically significant differences in mouth breathing, morning sore throat and daytime sleepiness at 0.5 year, one year and two years. Moreover, there were statistically significant differences in memory loss at one year and two years, and there were statistically significant differences in frequent nocturia at one year. The ESS value in the surgery group decreased at 0.5 year and one year, but increased at two years. The situation was the same in terms of the total points and in each dimension of the SF-36 paramter. The delta values of ESS among the three groups had statistical significance at 0.5 year, one year and two years, in which the CPAP group experienced the most changes, followed by the surgery group and the group received health education. For minimally invasive surgery, CPAP therapy and health education can improve daytime sleepiness and quality of life. CPAP therapy was found to be the most effective, followed by minimally invasive surgery and provision of health education. However, the treatment of OSAHS should be comprehensive.

A new office-based procedure for treatment of snoring: The S.I.Le.N.C.E. study.

ObjectiveDemonstrate the safety and effectiveness of palatal foreshortening and stiffening in reducing snoring severity in nonobstructive sleep apnea (non‐OSA) patients complaining of chronic disruptive snoring.MethodsIn a US‐based 8‐center, open‐label, prospective, single‐arm cohort study, 52 consenting adults with chronic disruptive snoring (snoring impacting a patient's life and causing patient or bed partner to seek medical intervention) were treated via office‐based placement of resorbable, bidirectional, barbed suture implants into the soft palate under local anesthesia. Prior to intervention, home sleep tests (HSTs) were performed to rule out OSA and to document snoring noise level. Both subject and their bed/sleep partners (also consented) completed questionnaires including: bed/sleep partner's scored visual analog scale (VAS) for subjects' snoring severity, and subject scoring for Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Following intervention, HSTs, VAS, ESS and PSQI were repeated at 30, 90 and 180 days.ResultsMean baseline bed/sleep partner VAS was 7.81 ± 1.59. Mean postimplant VAS scores decreased significantly at each measured interval; to 5.772.35 (P < .001) at 30 days, 4.48 ± 1.81 (P < .001) at 90 days, and 5.40 ± 2.28 (P < .001) at 180 days. Post treatment improvements in daytime sleepiness and QOL were also observed. Two partial extrusions were reported. No further adverse events were identified.ConclusionThe current study demonstrates the safety and efficacy of the Elevoplasty procedure in reducing snoring severity over a follow‐up period of 6 months.Level of Evidence2b

Predictors of long-term adherence to continuous positive airway pressure in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease.

Poor adherence to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) commonly affects therapeutic response in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We aimed to determine predictors of adherence to CPAP among participants of the Sleep Apnea and cardioVascular Endpoints (SAVE) trial. SAVE was an international, randomized, open trial of CPAP plus usual care versus usual care (UC) alone in participants (45-75 years) with co-occurring moderate-to-severe OSA (≥12 episodes/h of ≥4% oxygen desaturation) and established cardiovascular (CV) disease. Baseline sociodemographic, health and lifestyle factors, OSA symptoms, and 1-month change in daytime sleepiness, as well as CPAP side effects and adherence (during sham screening, titration week, and in the first month), were entered in univariate linear regression analyses to identify predictors of CPAP adherence at 24 months. Variables with p <0.2 were assessed for inclusion in a multivariate linear mixed model with country, age, and sex included a priori and site as a random effect. Significant univariate predictors of adherence at 24 months in 1,121 participants included: early adherence measures, improvement in daytime sleepiness at 1 month, fixed CPAP pressure, some measures of OSA severity, cardiovascular disease history, breathing pauses, and very loud snoring. While observed adherence varied between countries, adherence during sham screening, initial titration, and the first month of treatment retained independent predictive value in the multivariate model along with fixed CPAP pressure and very loud snoring. Early CPAP adherence had the greatest predictive value for identifying those at highest risk of non-adherence to long-term CPAP therapy. SAVE is registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00738179).

A 10-Year Longitudinal Observational Study Of Cataplexy In A Cohort Of Narcolepsy Type 1 Patients.

PurposeNarcolepsy type 1 (NT1) is thought to have a chronic persistent course. This study aimed to assess the natural course of cataplexy in patients with NT1 at 2, 6, and 10 years after stabilizing symptoms. Other secondary objectives included assessing sleep quality, body mass index (BMI), and comorbidities at recruitment and 10 years later.Patients and methodsCataplexy symptoms, the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), sleep quality (assessed using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index [PSQI]), BMI, and comorbid conditions were prospectively monitored in 38 patients with NT1. The study sample comprised 38 patients with narcolepsy (males=27). The mean ages at disease onset and recruitment were 17.7 ± 5.6 years and 24.3 ± 8.6 years, respectively.ResultsIn 42% of the cohort, the anti-cataplectic medications were stopped at the end of the study without disturbing symptoms of cataplexy. Additionally, there was an apparent significant reduction in the frequency of cataplexy over time. The mean ESS score decreased by more than 4 points from 19.4 ± 2.9 to 15 ± 4.3 (p<0.001) while on the same pharmacotherapy. The number of patients with a PSQI score of <5 (indicating good sleep quality) increased from 6 (15.8%) to 15 (39.5%) (p=0.004). The BMI increased from 30 ± 5.1 to 33.3 ± 6 kg/m2 (p=0.001). No changes were documented in comorbidities.ConclusionThe findings suggest that the course of NT1 is not stable. Over a 10-year period, cataplexy symptoms improved or disappeared in a large proportion of patients, and there was an improvement in daytime sleepiness and nighttime sleep quality. More prospective studies that repeatedly monitor CSF-HCRT are needed to confirm the current findings.

CPAP and Health-Related Quality of Life in Adults With Coronary Artery Disease and Nonsleepy Obstructive Sleep Apnea in the RICCADSA Trial.

To determine the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adults with coronary artery disease (CAD) and nonsleepy obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This was a secondary outcome analysis of the RICCADSA trial, conducted in Sweden between 2005 and 2013. Adults with CAD, nonsleepy OSA (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] ≥ 15 events/h; Epworth Sleepiness Scale [ESS] score < 10) and complete Short-Form (SF)-36 questionnaires at baseline and after 12 months were included. Patients were randomized to CPAP (n = 102) or no CPAP (n = 104). The primary outcome was the between-group difference in absolute change in the SF-36 components. Within-group changes as well as variables associated with absolute change in the domains in the entire population were also tested. Mean SF-36 scores were similar at baseline, ranging from 44.9 ± 9.6 to 92.2 ± 15.8 in various domains, and between-group changes from baseline were not statistically significant at 1 year. There was a significant increase in Role physical, Vitality, Role emotional, Mental health and Mental Component Summary (MCS), and a decrease in Bodily pain and General health scores in the CPAP group. The change in Physical Component Summary (PCS) was determined by female sex (beta coefficient -0.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] -7.25 to -0.98, P = .010), baseline AHI (beta coefficient -0.19, 95% CI -0.21 to -0.03, P = .009), CPAP use (h/night) (beta coefficient -0.16, 95% CI -0.93 to -0.06, P = .028), and acute myocardial infarction at baseline (beta coefficient 0.18, 95% CI 0.59 to 5.19, P = .014). Determinants of the change in MCS from baseline were change in the ESS score (beta coefficient -0.14, 95% CI -0.87 to -0.01, P = .054) and change in the Zung Self-rated Depression Scale scores (beta coefficient -0.33, 95% CI -0.58 to -0.24, P < .001). Assignment to CPAP treatment compared to no CPAP had no significant effect on HRQoL as measured by the SF-36 in adults with CAD and nonsleepy OSA. Although several components of the SF-36 scores were improved within the CPAP group, CPAP use was associated with a decrease in PCS. The improvement in MCS was determined by the improvement in daytime sleepiness and depressive mood. Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov; Identifier: NCT00519597. Wallström S, Balcan B, Thunström E, Wolf A, Peker Y. CPAP and health-related quality of life in adults with coronary artery disease and nonsleepy obstructive sleep apnea in the RICCADSA trial. J Clin Sleep Med. 2019;15(9):1311-1320.

Positive airway pressure: Making an impact on sleep apnea.

Positive airway pressure (PAP) devices deliver a pressurized column of air to open the airway in patients with sleep apnea. For patients with moderate to severe sleep apnea, PAP therapy is the gold standard for treatment, with demonstrated improvements in daytime sleepiness and cardiovascular measures that are superior to conservative treatments. For a variety of reasons, adherence to PAP therapy is a challenge for many patients, resulting in deficits in the frequency and duration of use. To improve use and compliance to therapy, several advanced features are available to enhance comfort, pressure, and humidification factors associated with PAP devices. Patient motivation strategies such as motivational interviews, desensitization protocols, and PAP "NAPs" are also being employed to improve adherence to therapy.

Predictors of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Adherence in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disease which impacts quality of life, mood, cardiovascular morbidity, and mortality. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the first-line treatment for patients with moderate to severe OSA. CPAP ameliorates respiratory disturbances, leading to improvements in daytime sleepiness, quality of life, blood pressure, and cognition. However, despite the high efficacy of this device, CPAP adherence is often sub-optimal. Factors including: socio-demographic/economic characteristics, disease severity, psychological factors, and side-effects are thought to affect CPAP adherence in OSA patients. Intervention studies have suggested that augmented support/education, behavioral therapy, telemedicine and technological interventions may improve CPAP adherence. In this paper, we will extensively review the most common factors including age, gender, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, smoking status, severity of OSA, severity of OSA symptoms, psychological variables, social support, marital status/bed partner involvement, dry nose and mouth, mask leak, and nasal congestion that may predict CPAP adherence. We will also extensively review interventions that may increase adherence to CPAP.