Evaluation and intervention of sleep disordered breathing in persons with traumatic brain injury

It is estimated that approximately 25% of individuals with TBI experience sleep disordered breathing (SDB), which is characterized by periods of complete cessation of breathing (apnea) or marked reductions in airflow (hypopnea). Such sleep disturbances may cause or intensify a variety of TBI co-morbidities, such as depression, anxiety, irritability, fatigue, cognitive deficits, pain, and functional impairments. We are enrolling approximately 200 people with TBI to evaluate sleep architecture using polysomnography to investigate the association of SDB with health-related quality of life, cognitive impairment, and mood. In those participants diagnosed with SDB, we are conducting a 3-month trial of nightly positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy to determine its effect s on measures of sleep quality, quality of life, cognitive function, and mood. Results from this study will inform the TBI community on the prevalence of SDB, the impact of SDB on comorbidities of TBI, and the potential benefit of PAP therapy for SDB and outcomes associated with TBI.