Sound Asleep project

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a highly prevalent disorder, with an economic cost in excess of AU$18.9 billion annually. It is caused by repetitive collapse of the airway during sleep, resulting in dramatic drops in blood oxygen levels and sleep disruption. One aspect of sleep that is critical for effective cognition is the presence of slow wave sleep; a deep, stable phase of Non-REM sleep. We have shown that individuals with OSA have less slow wave sleep, poorer cognition and brain atrophy compared to healthy individuals. Notably, OSA is a risk factor for mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Thus, it is critical to treat OSA, particularly from mid-life, to prevent further cognitive decline. Current OSA treatments are poorly tolerated and only partially effective; thus, novel treatments are urgently needed. Acoustic stimulation therapy has been used in healthy adults across the lifespan to improve slow wave sleep, with positive benefits for cognition. In this first-of-its-kind NHMRC-funded project, we will explore the use of acoustic stimulation therapy in individuals with OSA. OSA patients will undergo two weeks using an acoustic stimulation device - one week each in active and sham mode, in a randomised order. Polysomnography, daytime sleepiness and cognition will be assessed to determine if acoustic stimulation therapy can bolster slow wave sleep, improve cognition and sleepiness, and alter OSA pathophysiology. We will also assess the feasibility of acoustic stimulation therapy for use in individuals with OSA. This study will take the first steps in determining whether acoustic stimulation therapy enhances slow wave activity, and improves daytime functioning and OSA severity; thus offering a unique, cost-effective, and non-invasive alternative treatment for the millions of individuals with OSA who remain untreated.