The Improving Sleep in African American Couples Study (ISAAC)

The Improving Sleep in African American Couples (ISAAC) Study

The goal of this randomized study is to compare a combined behavioral intervention (remote tele-monitoring and feedback, virtual cognitive behavioral couple therapy, and couple-oriented peer support) on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) adherence, quality of sleep, functional status, and quality of life among patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and their bed partners.

This is a multiple site randomized controlled trial of 220 African American patients diagnosed with moderate to severe OSA and their bed partners. Half of the patients will receive optimal usual care, consisting of sleep therapist-initiated CPAP education and training. Patients will follow up with their sleep providers per usual. The remaining patients and their bed partners will receive a couple-oriented intervention consisting of optimal usual care. Couples will participate in couple-oriented support groups led by an African American patient with long standing OSA treated with CPAP and their partner. Patients and partners will receive tailored text messages encouraging adherence. In addition, couples will receive cognitive behavioral couple therapy sessions with a health psychologist trained in behavioral sleep medicine.

Inclusion Criteria - Patient:

• Moderate or severe OSA (Apnea hypopnea index ≥ 15 events/hour)
• Age ≥ 30 years
• Bed partner for ≥ last 6 months who is willing to participate
• English proficient

Inclusion Criteria - Bed Partner

• Bed partner for ≥ 6 months and willing to participate
• English proficient

Exclusion Criteria - Patient:

• Terminal illness
• Neurocognitive disorder that prevents informed consent
• Unstable housing
• Need for other forms of positive airway pressure (BPAP or VPAP)
• Pregnancy