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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.
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| To
request a CONSULTATION, please contact |
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