Insomnia and Upper Airway Stimulation Therapy Benefit and Adherence: A Case Series

Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and insomnia are common sleep disorders that often occur concurrently. The presence of one of these disorders often negatively impacts the other, including affecting treatment benefit and adherence. While insomnia has been shown to adversely affect positive airway pressure therapy adherence, minimal data are currently available on the effects of insomnia on upper airway stimulation (UAS) therapy for the treatment of OSA. We present two cases that highlight the negative impact of insomnia on UAS therapy usage and OSA management as well as the benefits of insomnia treatment on overall outcomes. Screening for and treatment of insomnia prior to UAS implantation are recommended.

Keywords: Co-morbid insomnia and sleep apnea (COMISA); Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I); Insomnia; Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA); Upper airway stimulation (UAS).