Study of Oxytocin Nasal Spray Effects on Pressure Needs in Sleep Apnea Patients Using CPAP Machines

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying whether an intra-nasal spray of the drug oxytocin can reduce the pressure needed by an automatic Continuous Positive Airway Pressure CPAP machine during sleep in people with obstructive sleep apnea OSA. This research aims to lessen harmful effects caused by low oxygen levels in individuals using CPAP for their condition. The trial is a randomized, double-blinded, crossover study involving adults who have used auto-adjusting CPAP devices for at least one month. Participants will self-administer either oxytocin nasal spray or a placebo spray intranasally for two weeks, followed by a one-week washout period, then switch to the other spray for another two weeks. The oxytocin dose is 40 IU per night, given as 10 nasal sprays before sleep. Throughout the 35-day study, participants continue to use their auto-CPAP devices as usual while researchers monitor pressure needs and compliance. The study includes three overnight sleep lab visits for detailed assessments. During the study, participants will have blood samples taken to analyze inflammatory markers and oxidative stress, overnight sleep studies to evaluate sleep quality and architecture, and downloads of CPAP compliance and pressure data. Researchers will assess changes in pressure required to keep the airway open and measure daytime sleepiness and sleep quality using questionnaires. The study lasts 35 nights with no costs to participants and no compensation provided.

Benefits of Oxytocin in Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) Patients Using Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Machine