Current Research

Approximately 50 million Americans suffer with some type of sleep disorder. Sleep disorders can interfere with our quality of life and personal health, and endanger public safety because of their role in traffic and industrial accidents. Researchers estimate the direct cost of sleep deprivation and disorders to be $15.9 billion. Indirect costs associated with accidents and reduced productivity are estimated at an additional $150 billion. Fortunately, MMRF researchers at the Minnesota Regional Sleep Disorders Center (MRSDC) are studying treatments and issues surrounding sleep disorders.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a disruption of breathing during sleep in which there are brief periods throughout the night when breathing stops. People with sleep apnea do not get enough oxygen and have inadequate sleep. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea and is due to an obstruction in the throat during sleep. There could be many causes of the blockage including tongue, tonsils, fatty tissue in the throat or relaxed throat muscles. MMRF researchers at the MRSDC are studying whether Obsturctive Sleep Apnea is a risk factor for developing major cardiovascular illnesses, including heart disease and stroke. Researchers hope to determine which individuals with sleep apnea are at greatest risk for developing cardiovascular illnesses and if early treatment of apnea will lower that risk.

Sleep Disturbances and Intellectual Function

MMRF researchers are studying whether there is a relationship between sleep, sleep disturbances and intellectual function.

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