Penn Nursing Pioneers Novel Approaches to Combat Chronic Sleep Disorders
PHILADELPHIA – Researchers at the University of pennsylvania School of Nursing are at the forefront of innovative efforts to address chronic sleep disorders, expanding beyond conventional treatments and focusing on diverse patient populations and non-pharmaceutical interventions. Recent breakthroughs include FDA approval of Zepbound injections for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and targeted programs for patients struggling with CPAP therapy, insomnia, and the impact of trauma.
Penn Nursing’s commitment to sleep research builds on decades of work, beginning with Nursing School Professor Emerita Terri weaver’s growth of the “Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire” to globally assess sleep’s impact on daily life.This foundational work has spurred a new generation of researchers, including Professor Amy Sawyer, mentored by Weaver, who now collaborates with colleagues to tackle OSA, insomnia, and other persistent sleep challenges.
A key area of focus is improving access and adherence to existing treatments. Professors Alexa Watach and Charles Bae have launched a text-message support program to troubleshoot issues with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, while Sawyer assists patients experiencing claustrophobia related to CPAP mask use. Weaver’s clinical trial work led to the 2024 FDA approval of Zepbound injections as a treatment for OSA, demonstrating significant benefits beyond weight loss. “Not only did patients loose weight, the number of times that the patient stopped breathing decreased,” Weaver stated in a Penn Nursing announcement. “So some patients may not have need for CPAP anymore. Patient quality of life improved as well.”
Beyond CPAP, researchers are exploring non-pharmaceutical approaches to insomnia. PhD student Augustine Cassis Obeng Boateng, working with Watach, is investigating the role of spirituality in teenage populations in Philadelphia, particularly those affected by gun violence.Professor Nan Hodgson is leading a study implementing structured routines - incorporating cognitive and physical activities – for patients with dementia, resulting in improved quality of life. These initiatives demonstrate penn Nursing’s dedication to addressing the complex needs of diverse patient groups and advancing the field of sleep medicine.
