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Sleep
Researchers Work on the Cutting Edge |
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In
conjunction with an interdisciplinary team of researchers
from Penn's
Center for Sleep and Respiratory Neurobiology, Associate
Professor Terri
E. Weaver, PhD, FAAN, CS, RN is currently conducting
an international, multi-site study of effectiveness of
the Continuous Positive Airways Pressure (CPAP) device,
which blows air at sufficient pressure to maintain an
open airway, thus acting as an "air splint" for patients
afflicted with sleep apnea.
In
sleep apnea, the airway collapses, periodically awakening
the patient throughout
the night, leading to excessive daytime sleepiness.
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| Drs.
A. Rogers and T. Weaver |
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The Functional
Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire (FOSQ) developed
by Dr. Weaver and a team of Penn sleep researchers, identified
a reduced quality of life for patients with sleep apnea. The
FOSQ is the first published self-report measure designed to
assess the damaging aspects of excessive sleepiness on activities
of ordinary living, including activity level, vigilance, intimacy
and sexual relationships, general productivity, and social
outcomes.
Dr. Weaver
has built on fundamental work by the team to address the issue
of patient adherence, a significant obstacle to effective
treatment of sleep apnea. Her current study seeks to isolate
factors contributing to non-adherence during the first week
of treatment and the implications for improving patient outcomes.
For more
information contact Dr.
Terri Weaver.
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request a CONSULTATION, please contact |
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