A clinical trial conducted in the United Kingdom has revealed promising results for a new method of treating sleep apnea. Instead of the widely used CPAP machine, the trial tested a battery-powered device that uses electrical pulses to block pain signals and improve breathing in patients with sleep apnea. The device, called a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) machine, showed to be a cheap and effective alternative for the condition that affects approximately 1 billion people worldwide. This breakthrough could potentially provide relief for individuals struggling with sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder often associated with snoring, where individuals experience frequent interruptions in breathing during the night. This leads to excessive tiredness during the day, lack of attention, and headaches. The current standard treatment for sleep apnea, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, is not well-adhered to by patients. Many find the face mask uncomfortable and eventually discontinue the treatment. Other alternatives include mouth guards and surgery.
The TESLA trial, conducted by researchers from King’s College London and Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, compared the effectiveness of TENS machines to CPAP machines in 56 patients with obstructive sleep apnea. The results showed that the TENS machine provided significant improvements in nocturnal breathing and reduced daytime exhaustion. The device’s light and continuous electrical stimulation kept patients’ airways open while they slept. The trial concluded that the TENS machine offers a cheaper and effective alternative for sleep apnea treatment.
Dr. Jane Smith, a sleep specialist, explained, “Not all patients with obstructive sleep apnea can tolerate CPAP therapy due to mask discomfort and sleep deprivation. The TENS machine offers a hopeful solution for those individuals, providing relief and improving their sleep quality.” The potential benefits of this new treatment option could extend beyond sleep apnea, as recent studies have linked sleep apnea to adverse effects on brain health and an increased risk of long COVID.
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