Evaluating Behavioral Treatments to Improve Adherence to CPAP in People With Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Evaluating Behavioral Treatments to Improve Adherence to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy in People With Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious sleep disorder in which a person repeatedly stops breathing or experiences shallow breathing for short periods of time during sleep. The most common treatment for OSA is the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, but many people have trouble adhering to the treatment schedule. This study will evaluate the effectiveness of two behavioral therapy programs used in combination with CPAP for improving treatment adherence in people with OSA.

Inclusion Criteria:

• OSA confirmed by polysomnography (PSG)
• CPAP is the prescribed form of treatment for OSA
• Judged by sleep physician to respond to CPAP

Exclusion Criteria:

• Apnea/hypoxia index (AHI) less than 15
• Diagnosis of another sleep disorder that causes arousals from sleep
• Past treatment for OSA
• Current substance abuse problem
• Diagnosis of a serious medical condition that would interfere with involvement in the study
• History of a major psychiatric disorder, other than depression
• Change in antidepressant medication in the 3 months before study entry