Australian researchers have made a breakthrough discovery regarding the potential of a nasal spray administered at bedtime to alleviate the severity of sleep apnea and decrease blood pressure levels in affected individuals. Published in The Journal of Heart and Circulatory Physiology, this research offers promising prospects for the millions worldwide grappling with sleep apnea, a prevalent and debilitating chronic respiratory disorder.
“Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by the relaxation of throat muscles, leading to the narrowing or collapse of the upper airway during sleep, resulting in disrupted oxygen intake and frequent awakenings throughout the night,” explains Professor Danny Eckert from the College of Medicine and Public Health. “This condition has been associated with various medical complications, including cardiovascular diseases, stroke, obesity, diabetes, anxiety, and depression.”
Despite continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines being a proven treatment for OSA, approximately half of individuals struggle to tolerate them, highlighting the need for alternative therapies. The recent study aimed to assess the efficacy of a novel potassium channel blocker nasal spray in reducing OSA severity and explore its impact alongside different breathing techniques, such as restricted ‘nasal only’ breathing, and the physiological characteristics of responders.
“Potassium channel blockers, which inhibit potassium channels in the central nervous system, have the potential to enhance muscle activity responsible for maintaining the upper airway’s patency, thereby reducing the risk of throat collapse during sleep when administered via nasal spray,” explains lead author Dr. Amal Osman.
In a randomized, blinded trial involving 10 OSA patients, participants were given either the potassium blocker nasal spray, a placebo nasal spray, or the potassium nasal spray combined with restricted ‘nasal only’ breathing. Results revealed that seven out of ten individuals responded positively to the potassium channel blocker nasal spray, exhibiting reduced episodes of upper airway collapse during sleep and lower blood pressure levels the following morning. However, combining the spray with restricted ‘nasal only’ breathing did not enhance sleep quality in this trial.
Dr. Osman elaborates, “Our findings demonstrate the safety and tolerability of the nasal spray application of the potassium channel blocker tested. Those showing physiological improvements in their airway function during sleep experienced significant reductions in OSA severity markers, including enhanced oxygen levels and decreased blood pressure the next day.”
Professor Eckert emphasizes the significance of these insights in paving the way for novel therapeutic interventions for individuals unable to tolerate CPAP machines or upper airway surgery, as well as those seeking alternatives to existing treatments. “Currently, there are no approved drugs for treating OSA, but with these findings and ongoing research, we are moving closer to developing safe and user-friendly drugs that could revolutionize OSA management,” he concludes.
