Sleep apnoea is a condition that affects many individuals, particularly as they age, and can significantly disrupt sleep quality and overall health. However, a groundbreaking study has revealed that an epilepsy medication might offer new hope for those struggling with this sleep disorder.

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common condition where the walls of the throat relax and narrow during sleep, interrupting normal breathing. This can lead to a host of health issues, including daytime fatigue, cardiovascular problems, and an increased risk of developing conditions such as high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. It's estimated that about one in 20 people are affected by OSA, highlighting the need for effective treatments.


The standard treatment for OSA involves the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, which keep the airways open by delivering a steady stream of air through a mask worn during sleep. However, many patients find these machines cumbersome and uncomfortable, leading to low adherence rates over the long term.


Enter the promising findings from an international study presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress in Vienna, Austria. Researchers have identified that sulthiame, a drug commonly used to treat epilepsy, is associated with a significant reduction in the symptoms of sleep apnoea.


The study involved a randomised controlled trial with nearly 300 OSA patients from Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, and Spain who were not using CPAP machines. Participants were divided into four groups and given either one of three different strengths of sulthiame or a placebo. Over the course of 12 weeks, the study measured various sleep parameters, including breathing patterns, oxygen levels, heart rhythm, and brain and muscle activity.

Remarkably, after 12 weeks, those taking sulthiame experienced up to a 50% reduction in the number of times their breathing stopped and displayed higher oxygen levels in their blood during sleep. The most significant improvements were observed in patients receiving the highest doses of the medication.

Prof Jan Hedner from Sahlgrenska University Hospital and the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, one of the lead researchers, expressed optimism about the findings. He suggested that sulthiame could be an effective alternative treatment for OSA and called for larger studies to confirm the drug's beneficial respiratory effects on a broader patient population.


Erika Radford, the head of health advice at Asthma + Lung UK, welcomed the study as a step towards a drug-based treatment for sleep apnoea, which could simplify condition management for many patients. Dr Sriram Iyer, a consultant respiratory and sleep physician, also highlighted the importance of the study, indicating that drug therapy for sleep apnoea is nearing reality.

While the prospect of a new treatment is exciting, it's important to remember that OSA is often linked to obesity. Addressing underlying issues such as weight management remains a critical component of treatment. Future studies will need to assess the long-term benefits and potential side effects of sulthiame, as well as identify which patient groups might benefit the most from this treatment.

For our readers who suffer from sleep apnoea, this news could be a game-changer. Imagine a future where managing your condition could be as simple as taking medication, freeing you from the nightly routine of setting up a CPAP machine. As we await further research, it's essential to continue using prescribed treatments and to discuss any concerns or questions with your healthcare provider.


Have you or a loved one been affected by sleep apnoea? What has your experience been with current treatments, and how does the possibility of a new drug-based option sound to you? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below – your insights could be invaluable to others facing similar challenges.