HELP FOR INSOMNIACS WITH SLEEP APNOEA

Co-occurring insomnia and obstructive sleep apnoea is a complex problem best managed with non-drug targeted psych interventions, a study from Australia’s Flinders University has found. Co-Morbid Insomnia and Sleep Apnoea (COMISA) is a little studied and debilitating disorder. The study of 145 patients aimed to work out better treatments for COMISA patients who, in the past, have shown poor results from using Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy – the common treatment for sleep apnoea. The researchers found that the

COMISA patients who participated in a 4-10 week program of cognitive and behavioural therapy for insomnia before using CPAP machines reported great improvement to their sleep and health, with about 50 per cent improvement in global insomnia severity and night-time insomnia after six months. “Heart disease, obesity and depression have been connected to insomnia and sleep apnoea, so getting the best therapies are important to the health of millions of people around the world,” said co-author Professor Doug McEvoy.