Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep. The lack of deep, restorative sleep often leads to early morning headaches and excessive daytime sleepiness.

Sleep apnea occurs in all age groups and both sexes but is more common in men (it may be underdiagnosed in women). It has been estimated that as many as 18 million Americans have sleep apnea. Four percent of middle-aged men and two percent of middle-aged women have sleep apnea along with excessive daytime sleepiness. Sleep apnea seems to run in some families, suggesting a possible genetic basis.

Recent research suggests that there may be a link between breathing problems during sleep and heart disease. The only way to find out for sure is to study a large group of mostly healthy people. By studying the sleep and health habits of people all across the United States, the Sleep Heart Health Study will help us learn how sleep and other health habits affect heart disease.

Data are being collected for the Sleep Heart Health Study in nine different communities across the United States. As a group, we have completed over 3,400 home sleep studies in a wide variety of physical and geographical locations.

In Tucson, over 500 sleep studies have been performed in the past year. Our goal is to complete 900 high quality studies by November of 1997. We sincerely appreciate the contributions of each and every one of you towards making the Sleep Heart Health Study in Tucson a success.

A critical component of the Sleep Study is the follow-up information required to assess whether or not pauses in breathing during sleep increases the likelihood of heart or other disease. A very brief questionnaire will soon be sent to each of you asking simple questions about your health over the past year. Please take a short moment of your time to provide this vital information. We appreciate it!!

Last Updated:

12 Oct 2007