Obstructive sleep apnea and comorbidity: Treatment outcomes, influence on other sleep disorders, and the impact on inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers.

All patients undergo a diagnostic polygraphy, and blood samples including CRP, blood lipids and HbA1c (long term glucose marker) are collected. In addition, the patients complete a four-page comprehensive questionnaire covering most aspects of sleep medicine, including questions on parasomnias, insomnia, and comorbidities such as anxiety and depression. Furthermore, the register contains follow-up data from patients who have received CPAP treatment at the clinic.

In the present project we aim to address the associations between OSA and comorbid sleep disorders such as parasomnias, and inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers such as CRP, blood lipids and HbA1c in a large, clinical sample of patients with OSA. Moreover, we aim to address the effect of CPAP treatment on symptoms of insomnia in patients with OSA. 

The research project has so far three publications:

1. Lundetræ RS, Saxvig IW, Pallesen S, Aurlien H, Lehmann S, Bjorvatn B. Prevalence of Parasomnias in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea. A Registry-Based Cross-Sectional Study. Front Psychol. 2018 Jul 5;9:1140.. PMID: 30026716
2. Lundetræ RS, Saxvig IW, Lehmann S, Bjorvatn B. Effect of continuous positive airway pressure on symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep Breath. 2021 Sep;25(3):1277-1283. PMID: 33098538
3. Lundetræ RS, Saxvig IW, Aurlien H, Lehmann S, Bjorvatn B. Effect of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure on Symptoms and Prevalence of Insomnia in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Longitudinal Study. Front Psychol. 2021 Jul 22;12:691495. PMID: 34367017