Patients can be diagnosed with sleep apnea at home using a home sleep apnea test (HSAT) or in the sleep lab with polysomnography (PSG). Several studies have found that medically uncomplicated patients at high risk of obstructive sleep apnea that get diagnosed either way have similar CPAP adherence and patient-reported outcomes. For this reason, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that either method can be used in these types of patients. Keep reading
The MyApnea surveys have been updated to be more responsive to questions patients and researchers are interested in. Whether you are updating your surveys or completing them for the first time, sharing data is incredibly valuable to the research community. People contribute to society in many ways. Some people give to charity, others volunteer, still others take care of family members in need. When you fill out these anonymous surveys, it should feel the same way. Keep reading
Dr. Katherine Sharkey is a sleep medicine physician from Brown University and member of the Society for Women’s Health Research Sleep Network. She discusses sleep apnea recognition and treatment with a patient and a sleep technician. They discuss the challenges that women with sleep apnea often face, since the stereotypical patient is male (but that’s changing!). They also talk about how difficult adjusting to CPAP can be. Keep reading
Many MyApnea members have expressed interest in learning more about oral appliances, also known as “dental devices.” We asked a dental specialist to share her knowledge. In this blog post, Dr. Demko explains what oral appliances are, how they work, and their role in treating sleep apnea. In short, oral appliances are a good treatment option, but partner with your sleep doctor and a qualified dentist for best results. Keep reading
Sleep apnea care isn’t tailored for patients. Or at least not tailored enough. That’s why researchers at MyApnea.Org want to hear from you. They want to learn more about your experiences getting diagnosed and treated so that sleep apnea care reflects your priorities and your needs. Dr. Susan Redline (principal scientist for MyApnea. Keep reading
Attention women, and those who love them! One of the primary issues many of us patients talk about is the problem of getting our sleep disorders diagnosed before they have done too much damage. Sleep apnea, as you know from reading on this site, is a sneaky but potentially deadly problem. And women in particular don't get diagnosed as quickly or as often as men. Keep reading
For 31 years, the Associated Professional Sleep Societies has hosted a conference called SLEEP. SLEEP 2017 was held in Boston this spring and featured five packed days of presentations on the latest developments in sleep medicine. Thousands of clinicians and scientists attended. This year, a group of patient leaders from MyApnea.Org attended and led a new, exciting, and much needed discussion about the role of patients as partners in advancing sleep health. Reflecting a core value of MyApnea. Keep reading
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) is currently working to update its clinical practice guidelines. These guidelines provide practice parameters for how to surgically modify the upper airway in adults with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). These guidelines have an important impact on standardizing physician practice and ensuring that patients get the best quality care. Keep reading
Teenagers can have a bad reputation: moody, remote, unmotivated.1 These are just stereotypes, but there are many reasons for teen mood changes and research shows that sleep is an important factor. Most teenagers don't get enough sleep: busy with school, homework, extra-curriculars and a social life. Drinking coffee, tea, or energy drinks and staying up late on phones and computers does not help, all making for sleepier and less happy teens.2 And… teens need more sleep than adults. Keep reading
