Neurological implants could be the silver bullet for sleep apnea, promising a peaceful and restorative night’s sleep.
Tl;dr
- Nearly a billion people suffer from sleep apnea worldwide.
- App-controlled stimulators could help patients breathe uninterrupted during sleep.
- The FDA recently approved the first drug to treat obstructive sleep apnea.
A global scourge: sleep apnea
Nearly a billion people worldwide struggle with sleep apnea, a common disorder where breathing frequently stops and restarts during sleep. In India, no fewer than 104 million people are affected.
CPAP machines as a conventional solution
Until now, the condition is usually treated with machines called CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). These devices, although effective, are not the most comfortable. They work by blowing pressurized air through the nose and throat during sleep.
Promising innovations
Today, hope comes from recent medical advances. Last December, doctors at University College London Hospitals NHS foundation trust fitted two patients with an app-controlled stimulator. This device, named Geniusdelivers electrical impulses to the nerves of the tongue, allowing patients to breathe uninterrupted while they sleep.
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Implants that can save lives
These implants, like Genio, are specifically designed to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a more common form of the disorder. OSA occurs when the throat muscles relax and block airflow to the lungs. The consequences can be serious, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and even cancer, not to mention car accidents, with patients often falling asleep at the wheel.
A new hope: the first drug for sleep apnea
In another significant development, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the first drug to treat obstructive sleep apnea. It is about Zepbound (tirzepatide)a weight loss medication that, by helping people lose fat around their airways, reduces the number of times their breathing is obstructed during sleep.
Conclusion
These scientific and medical advances offer a glimmer of hope to the millions of people who suffer from sleep apnea. As research continues, the future looks brighter for those battling this difficult condition.
