Scientists have identified an existing drug that could be the long-awaited cure for obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that afflicts 84 million Americans yet has no medication to treat it. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the upper airway collapses during sleep, causing breathing to repeatedly stop and start. In the short term, this leads to excessive snoring and sleep deprivation that undermines focus, productivity and daily functioning. The study found that the 200mg and 300mg doses of sultiame significantly reduced the frequency of dangerous oxygen drops. Beyond just breathing and oxygen levels, the drug helped people sleep more soundly without being aroused awake by choking for air.
