News about Sleep Apnea and PAP machines

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is the most common adult muscular dystrophy, and many patients with DM1 suffer from various sleep and respiratory disorders. In a new study, researchers found that because there is wide range of sleep problems, treatments do not fit a “one size fits all” model. Source

A single bout of sleep apnea impacts the human body’s ability to regulate blood pressure, say researchers. Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The condition can result in frequent periods of decreased oxygen levels in the body, known as intermittent hypoxia. Source

Individuals with alcohol dependence (AD) often have sleep-related disorders such as insomnia, circadian-rhythm sleep disorders, breathing-related sleep disorders, movement disorders, and parasomnias such as sleep-related eating disorder, sleepwalking, nightmares, sleep paralysis, and REM sleep behavior disorder. A new review examines the various aspects of insomnia associated with AD. Source

Suppressing hydrogen sulfide production in the carotid body may block the hypertension associated with sleep apnea. Source

A new analysis has been published that reveals the staggering cost of undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea. The new work summarizes the results of an online survey completed by patients currently being treated for obstructive sleep apnea. Source

There is growing evidence that sleep disorders like insomnia and sleep apnea are related to stroke risk and recovery from stroke, according to a recent literature review. Source

Approximately one quarter of pregnant women may suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), the recurrent cessation or limitation of normal breathing during sleep, new research suggests. In addition to being the cause of daytime fatigue, the consequences of untreated OSA include but are not limited to high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and heart disease. Source

Scientists have successfully measured the eye pressure of sleeping patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome for the first time, finding an unexpected correlation with glaucoma. Source

A new study found a six-fold increase in the age-adjusted prevalence of any sleep disorder diagnosis over an 11-year period among US veterans. The largest increases were identified in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), other mental disorders, or combat experience. Results also show that the prevalence of PTSD tripled during the study period. Source

People who have had procedures to open blocked heart arteries after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) may have a higher risk of death, heart failure, heart attack and stroke if they have sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, compared to those who don’t. The presence of sleep disorders in ACS patients is an important predictor of major cardiovascular events after angioplasty. Source