People suffering
with sleep disorders could soon be treated using a new technique.
Scientists at the Sleep Center at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center found
that hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) was an effective way to increase the
airflow in patients with severe sleep apnoea symptoms.
The current treatment involves continuous positive airway pressure, but has
limited benefits for some individuals.
Dr Alan Schwartz, who worked on the study, said: "The increases in
airflow we observed were of sufficient magnitude to eliminate inspiratory
airflow limitation in the majority of patients."
He explained that HGNS directly affected the lingual muscles and cleared the
airway without patients waking up.
Dr Schwartz stated that the new technique must be tested in all stages of
sleep and a variety of body positions.
The condition is caused a lack of muscle tone in
the upper airway which prevents oxygen passing into the lungs, according to the
British Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Association.
© Adfero Ltd
Sleep disorders treatment news : 28 November 2011
