Increasing adherence to obstructive sleep apnea treatments with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention [ 2007 - 2009 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Ronald Grunstein (Principal investigator) ,  A/Pr Delwyn Bartlett ,  Prof Colin Espie ,  Prof Peter Cistulli

Brief description Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder affecting approximately 4% of men and 2% of women in the community. Treatment consists of using a device, such as either Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) (the gold standard treatment) or a Mandibular Advancement Splints (MAS) of which both are effective in reducing the cardiovascular risk of OSA. However many individuals do not even take the prescribed treatments home, and many stop using them within the first week or month for a variety of reported physiological reasons including no reduction in daytime somnolence or jaw pain. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an intervention which has been used successfully to treat a range of chronic medical conditions with a proven track record in insomnia. From recent preliminary data on patients undergoing CPAP treatment we have overwhelming evidence showing the effectiveness of a CBT intervention which significantly increased the probability of taking the CPAP machine home, using it more frequently and longer (>4 hours each night) by up to 6.9 times at 28 days. The aim of this project is to compare the benefits of a CBT intervention in improving adherence and compliance in OSA sufferers using either CPAP or MAS.

Funding Amount $AUD 290,730.03

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant