Help for sleep apnea sufferes

Sleep experts say obstructive sleep apnea sufferers who use active problem solving strategies will have more success adhering to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.

In a new study, researchers said certain problem solving and coping styles were associated with more successful CPAP use than others.

“Individuals who use action problem solving strategies, such as seeking advice, information and feedback from people in their social network, generate goal-oriented schedules of action with specific tasks and who believe they are in control of their emotions and behaviors while solving problems or challenges are more likely to be successful with PAP than individuals who use other problem solving and coping styles or strategies,” principle investigator Robert Glidewell, director of the sleep medicine and research program at the Lynn Institute of the Rockies, was quoted as saying.

Researchers also said their study showed that patients should be informed that the process of adjusting to CPAP will likely take between 30 and 90 days and CPAP educators should focus on improving specific aspects of problem solving and coping and teach patients how to react to common CPAP-related problems.

SOURCE: Study presented on June 8, 2009 at SLEEP 2009, the 23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies