Overview
Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) is an implantable therapy that treats obstructive sleep apnea.
The study will evaluate the effect of this treatment on cardiovascular and metabolism-related measures to see if it affects patients' risk of medical problems associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- English-speaking adults (18+ years) who have met surgical efficacy criteria with HGNS, as defined by at least a 50% reduction in apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) to <20 (with hypopneas defined by 4% oxyhemoglobin desaturations)
- Have been using HGNS therapy for at least 3 months and used HGNS for >20 hours/week during the past 4 weeks
- Were not using any OSA therapy for at least one month prior to HGNS activation or have had a one-month period of untreated OSA after HGNS activation
Exclusion Criteria:
- Chronic use of opiate medications, illicit drugs, or alcohol dependency
- Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- Shift workers, heavy machinery operators, or commercial drivers
- History of severe excessive daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale score >16 at time of screening or prior to HGNS), motor vehicle accidents or near-miss incidents due to drowsy driving within the year prior to enrollment
- Significant cardiopulmonary (such as home oxygen requirement), liver, renal, or oncologic disease; neurodegenerative disease; active or recent history of an eating disorder (within the last 5 years)
- Inability to provide informed consent