Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Acoustic OSA Prediction During Wakefulness and Monitoring During Sleep

This research aims to find simpler and faster ways to detect sleep apnea, a common breathing problem during sleep. Instead of complex tests, we're exploring if analysing a person's breathing sounds, both when they're awake and asleep, can reliably tell us if they have sleep apnea. Currently, many people with this condition don't know they have it, and existing screening methods can be time-consuming and often refer people for unnecessary further tests. Our goal is to develop a new, easier-to-use screening tool that could potentially be used at home, helping more people get diagnosed and treated sooner. We're also studying how breathing sounds change from wakefulness to sleep in people with and without sleep apnea.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

University of Manitoba

Enrolment target

250

Start

01 Oct 2021

Estimated completion

23 Dec 2026

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

What is this study about?

Sleep apnea, especially a type called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is a very common condition where a person repeatedly stops and starts breathing during sleep. This can be serious, as it's linked to other health problems and can increase risks during surgery. Worryingly, many people who have moderate or severe sleep apnea don't even know it.

Currently, diagnosing sleep apnea often involves complicated and resource-heavy tests. While there's a good questionnaire called STOP-Bang that helps identify people who might have sleep apnea, it often flags people who don't actually have the condition. This means many people go for further tests they might not need, putting a strain on health services. We really need a quicker and more reliable way to tell if someone has sleep apnea, especially since people with the condition often don't show clear signs when they're awake.

Our research is focused on developing a new way to screen for sleep apnea by listening to breathing sounds from a person's windpipe (trachea) while they are awake. We've created a special computer program called AWakeOSA that analyses these sounds. Early results show it's quite good at predicting sleep apnea and even better at identifying people who don't have it, compared to the current questionnaire. This study is a crucial step to improve this technology further, so it can eventually become a reliable device for screening at home. We also want to understand how breathing sounds change when people with and without sleep apnea go from being awake to sleeping.

Key takeaways

This study aims to find an easier way to diagnose sleep apnea.
It uses breathing sounds, both when you're awake and asleep, to look for signs of the condition.
The goal is to create a quicker and more convenient screening tool, possibly for home use.
Many people with sleep apnea don't know they have it, making better screening important.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be an adult between 18 and 70 years old. You should also have been referred by your doctor for a full sleep study because they suspect you might have a condition called obstructive sleep apnea.

However, there are certain reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have a long-term lung condition like emphysema or asthma; other sleep problems like insomnia or restless legs syndrome; or if you have a drug addiction. You also can't take part if you are currently working directly with the main doctor running this study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 70 years old?
Has your doctor referred you for a full sleep study due to suspected sleep apnea?
Do you have any long-term lung conditions like asthma or emphysema?
Do you have any other sleep problems like insomnia or restless legs?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This section was not fully provided in the prompt. Based on the information given, taking part would likely involve recording your breathing sounds while you are awake. It would also involve undergoing a full sleep study, where your breathing sounds would be recorded during sleep. The total duration and specific number of visits are not detailed but would be explained if you express interest.

Potential risks and benefits

The potential benefit of taking part is contributing to research that could lead to much simpler and quicker ways to diagnose sleep apnea in the future, which could help many people. There are no direct medical risks mentioned, as the study involves recording sounds and a standard sleep study. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

University of Manitoba
Verified postcode
Winnipeg, Canada

Common questions

What is 'sleep apnea'?

Sleep apnea is a common condition where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This can lead to less oxygen in your body and disrupted sleep.

Why is it important to detect sleep apnea?

Detecting sleep apnea is important because it's linked to other health problems like heart issues and can make you very tired, increasing risks like car accidents. Early diagnosis helps with treatment.

What is 'sound analysis' in this study?

Sound analysis means using special computer programs to listen closely to and understand patterns in your breathing sounds. This study investigates if these patterns can show signs of sleep apnea.

What does 'wakefulness' mean in this study?

Wakefulness simply means when you are awake. The study looks at breathing sounds both when you're awake and when you're asleep.

Will taking part in this study benefit me directly?

While this study helps research for future diagnosis, it's not designed to give you direct personal medical benefit. Any diagnosis of sleep apnea would come from your routine medical care.