Obstructive sleep apnea does more than give the sufferer a bad night’s sleep.

Besides the dozens of mini-waking episodes sleep apnea sufferers experience during the night, the disease causes daytime drowsiness and a higher risk of accidents. It also has been linked with increased risks for heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke.

The National Institutes of Health estimates one in 10 adults over 65 — a total of 18 million Americans — suffers from obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA. In OSA, the tongue and other tissues of the throat block the airway during sleep, stopping breathing multiple times throughout the night.

For patients who suspect they have sleep apnea, we recommend a test at a sleep center where specialists can observe and measure their sleep patterns. But for patients who already know they suffer from OSA, there are several options for treatment, from behavioral adjustments to surgical procedures.

Many OSA patients benefit from losing weight and adjusting their bed to sleep more upright. A dental guard can also help keep the mouth and airway in a better position through the night.

The next step for patients usually involves continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, in which a patient wears a mask during sleep.

Researchers have recently explored using implantable devices as an alternative.

At UC, our departments of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery and sleep medicine are collaborating on an international trial to study a new device for OSA.

The device, called the Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation (UAS) therapy, is classified as an investigational device by the Food and Drug Administration, meaning that this trial is designed to evaluate its safety and effectiveness for OSA patients.

UAS therapy is for patients with moderate to severe OSA who haven’t found success with other therapies.

Patients with sleep apnea should discuss all options with their doctor to find the best solution for their needs. Whether that involves implants, CPAP therapy or behavioral changes, they need to find the best way to make sure they get a good night’s sleep.

For more information about the STAR trial, call (888) 847-9894, or visit clinicaltrials.gov.