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Home › Conditions › Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Part of Sleep Disorders, Intrinsic

32 published articles · Updated continuously

Clinical Trial Landscape

Clinical Trials for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

229 trials tracked for Obstructive Sleep Apnea: 28 in phase 3 or 4 and 10 with published results. The most-cited published study has 689 citations.

229Trials tracked
28Phase 3 & 4
0Recruiting
10With published results
Phase distribution
Phase 4 11 Phase 3 17 Phase 2 27 Phase 1 6 Other / NA 168
  1. Phase 3 Obstructive Sleep Apnea Master Protocol GPIF: A Study of Tirzepatide (LY3298176) in Participants With Obstructive Sleep Apnea Completed · 689 cited
  2. Phase 3 "A Long-Term Safety Study of JZP-110 in the Treatment of Excessive Sleepiness in Subjects With Narcolepsy or OSA" Completed · 250 cited
  3. Phase 3 "Six-week Study of the Safety and Efficacy of JZP-110 in the Treatment of Excessive Sleepiness in OSA" Completed · 81 cited
  4. Phase 3 "Twelve-week Study of the Safety and Efficacy of JZP-110 in the Treatment of Excessive Sleepiness in OSA" Completed · 40 cited
  5. Phase 4 The Impact of Arousal Threshold in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Completed · 28 cited
  6. Phase 4 The Impact of Venlafaxine on Apnea Hypopnea Index in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Completed · 21 cited
Show 44 more trials
  1. Phase 3 Steroids for Pediatric Apnea Research in Kids Completed · 21 cited
  2. Phase 3 Montelukast and Inhaled Nasal Steroid Tx in Adult Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) Completed · 19 cited
  3. Phase 4 Treatment of OSA Associated Hypertension With Alpha 2 Agonist or Diuretic Completed · 9 cited
  4. Phase 4 Solriamfetol's Effect on Cognitive Health in Apnea Participants During a Randomized Placebo-controlled Study Completed · 9 cited
  5. Phase 4 Effect of Ketorolac on Post Adenotonsillectomy Pain Completed
  6. Phase 4 Impact of Sugammadex vs. Neostigmine Reversal on Post-Operative Recovery and Complications Completed
  7. Phase 4 Applying Best Clinical Practices to Patients at High Risk of Respiratory Complications Completed
  8. Phase 4 The Effects of Mometasone Furoate Nasal Spray in Subjects With Sleep-disordered Breathing (SDB) Associated With Perennial Allergic Rhinitis (Study P04726) Completed
  9. Phase 4 Dexmedetomidine and Propofol in Children With History of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Completed
  10. Phase 4 Trial of Effects of Oral Xyrem and Zolpidem on Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients Completed
  11. Phase 4 Efficacy and Safety of Armodafinil for Adults With Excessive Sleepiness Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea and Depression Completed
  12. Phase 3 Decrease Emergence Agitation and Provide Pain Relief for Children Undergoing Tonsillectomy & Adenoidectomy Completed
  13. Phase 3 PMP-300E (Smart Watch): Portable Monitoring Device Study Completed
  14. Phase 3 Treatment of Insomnia in Elderly Sleep Apnea Patients With Ramelteon (TAK 375) Completed
  15. Phase 3 Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), Sleepiness, and Activity in Diabetes Management Completed
  16. Phase 3 Armodafinil (CEP-10953) in Treatment of Excessive Sleepiness Associated With Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea (OSA/H) Syndrome Completed
  17. Phase 3 Armodafinil (CEP-10953) for Treatment of Narcolepsy, Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome, or Chronic Shift Work Sleep Disorder Completed
  18. Phase 3 Effect of Liraglutide in Obese Subjects With Moderate or Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnoea: SCALE™ - Sleep Apnoea Completed
  19. Phase 3 Armodafinil (CEP-10953) in Treatment of Excessive Sleepiness Associated With Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome(OSAHS) Completed
  20. Phase 3 Stimulation Therapy for Apnea Reduction (Www.theSTARtrial.Com) Completed
  21. Phase 3 Brain Oxygenation and Hemodynamics During Sleep in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Sufferers Completed
  22. Phase 3 Diagnosis and Treatment of Sleep Apnea in Cerebrovascular Disease Completed
  23. Phase 2 The Effect of Caffeine on Postextubation Adverse Respiratory Events in Children With Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Completed
  24. Phase 2 Effect of Desipramine on Genioglossus Muscle Activity in Healthy Adults Study A Completed
  25. Phase 2 Propranolol for Sleep Apnea Therapy Completed
  26. Phase 2 Pharmacological Activation of HMN for OSA Completed
  27. Phase 2 Stroke and CPAP Outcome Study: A Sham-controlled Trial of CPAP Among Stroke Rehabilitation Patients Completed
  28. Phase 2 Impact of Oxytocin on Obstructive Sleep Apnea Induced Changes in Sleep Completed
  29. Phase 2 Safety and Efficacy Study of Dronabinol to Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea Completed
  30. Phase 2 Tiagabine to Enhance Slow Wave Sleep in Patients With Sleep Apnea Completed
  31. Phase 2 Combination Drug-Therapy for Patients With Untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnea Completed
  32. Phase 2 Effect of Desipramine on Upper Airway Collapsibility and Genioglossus Muscle Activity in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea - Study B Completed
  33. Phase 2 Crossover Trial of AD036 in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Completed
  34. Phase 2 Pediatric Pain Optimization After Tonsillectomy Completed
  35. Phase 2 Apnea, Bariatric Surgery Versus Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Trial Completed
  36. Phase 2 Medications for Obstructive Sleep Apnea In Children With Down Syndrome Completed
  37. Phase 2 The Use of Heliox in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome Completed
  38. Phase 2 Effects of Treatment of Sleep Apnea on Metabolic Syndrome Completed
  39. Phase 2 Study for Efficacy and Dose Escalation of AD313 + Atomoxetine (SEED) Completed
  40. Phase 2 Sleep Apnea Treatment With Expiratory Resistance(Provent™) Completed
  41. Phase 2 Vascular Impairment in Type II Diabetes Mellitus With Co-morbid Obstructive Sleep Apnea Completed
  42. Phase 2 Trial of AD036 in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Completed
  43. Phase 2 Dimethyl Fumarate for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Completed
  44. Phase 2 Crossover Trial of AD109 in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Completed

Showing the 50 most-cited and recently-updated of 229 trials. Browse the full registry →

Trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. Counts describe the research landscape and are not a treatment recommendation. Informational only — not medical advice.

What the trials found Updated — new results For clinicians

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: what the trials found

Solriamfetol has demonstrated a significant improvement in cognitive performance as measured by the average of DSST RBANS scores (p=0.009) 1. Tirzepatide significantly reduced the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), with mean reductions reaching over 50% in some cohorts (p<0.001); notably, approximately 61% to 72% of participants achieved a reduction of at least 50% in AHI 15.

Armodafinil showed significant clinical improvement in the Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGI-C) (p=0.0120) and a significant reduction in scores on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) (p=0.0027), despite no statistically significant change in the Maintenance of Wakefulness Test 13. JZP-110 was associated with reductions in ESS scores at various intervals, with some cohorts showing improvements of up to 7.9 points by week 12 18.

Xyrem demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the mean Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) compared to other treatment arms (p=0.009) 12. Other interventions, including Donepezil 5, Mometasone furoate nasal spray 14, and PMP-300E 22, did not show statistically significant improvements in AHI or related respiratory metrics.

Several other pharmacological agents were evaluated for the condition, including Venlafaxine 6, Guanfacine 7, Dexmedetomidine 11, and rozerem 21. Additionally, a combination of budesonide and montelukast did not significantly reduce the number of apnea or hypopnea events to less than 5 per hour (p=0.946) 20.

Recent results — preliminary, needs further review

  • Supplemental Oxygen is currently under investigation in Phase 1 trials 2.
  • Belun Ring Pulse Oximeter is being evaluated in a non-interventional study 3.
  • Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation showed no significant difference in Pharyngeal Critical Pressure (p=0.80) or Pharyngeal Opening Pressure (p=0.94) 4.

For the clinician treating this condition

  • Tirzepatide is associated with a statistically significant and substantial reduction in Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) 15.
  • Xyrem and Solriamfetol have shown statistically significant improvements in primary efficacy measures, specifically AHI and cognitive scores respectively [1, 12].
  • Armodafinil is associated with a significant reduction in Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores 13.

AI synthesis of 16 cited trials, updated Jun 24, 2026. Informational only — not medical advice; trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. How we use AI.

HCP Mode — summaries include clinical detail, trial data, and statistical outcomes.
Patient Mode — summaries use plain language, avoiding clinical jargon.
Prediabetes linked to 2.78-fold higher odds of obstructive sleep apnea in meta-analysis
Diabetes & Endocrinology Meta-analysis
Prediabetes linked to 2.78-fold higher odds of obstructive sleep apnea in meta-analysis Prediabetes Linked to Higher Risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
A meta-analysis of 8 cross-sectional studies (18,040 participants) found that prediabetes is associated with significantly higher prevalence…
A large review of data shows that people with prediabetes have a significantly higher risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea.
Frontiers Jul 30, 2026
OSAS not significantly tied to diabetic retinopathy overall, but risk doubles in Asian subgroups
Diabetes & Endocrinology Meta-analysis
OSAS not significantly tied to diabetic retinopathy overall, but risk doubles in Asian subgroups Sleep Apnea Link to Diabetic Retinopathy Varies by Region
This meta-analysis of 599,405 patients with type 2 diabetes found no significant overall association between obstructive sleep apnea syndrom…
New data suggests that the link between sleep apnea and eye damage in people with type 2 diabetes depends on location and testing methods.
Frontiers Jul 30, 2026
AI-oximetry models show 91.1% sensitivity and 88.4% specificity for obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis
Radiology & Imaging Meta-analysis
AI-oximetry models show 91.1% sensitivity and 88.4% specificity for obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis AI models show high accuracy in diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea
This meta-analysis of 23,171 patients evaluated AI models trained on pulse oximetry readings for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). T…
New analysis shows AI tools using pulse oximetry can accurately identify sleep apnea, offering a faster way to screen patients in clinics.
Jul 29, 2026
Overweight and obesity prevalence in individuals with Down syndrome reaches 22% across mixed-age cohorts
Diabetes & Endocrinology Meta-analysis
Overweight and obesity prevalence in individuals with Down syndrome reaches 22% across mixed-age cohorts Overweight and Obesity Rates are High Among People with Down Syndrome
This meta-analysis of 26 studies involving 7,840 individuals identifies a high prevalence of overweight and obesity in people with Down synd…
New data shows that overweight and obesity rates are significantly higher in people with Down syndrome compared to the general population.
medRxiv Jul 28, 2026
DaVinci Single-Port transoral robotic surgery is feasible across multiple indications including oncology and sleep apnea
Oncology Meta-analysis
DaVinci Single-Port transoral robotic surgery is feasible across multiple indications including oncology and sleep apnea Single-Port Robot Shows Promise for Sleep Apnea Surgery
This systematic review and meta-analysis of 479 patients evaluates the feasibility of DaVinci Single-Port (SP) transoral robotic surgery (TO…
A new analysis finds single-port robotic surgery for sleep apnea is feasible, with short operating times and low blood loss.
Jun 13, 2026
1 in 7 COPD patients decline or discontinue long-term PAP therapy, meta-analysis finds
Pulmonology & Critical Care Meta-analysis
1 in 7 COPD patients decline or discontinue long-term PAP therapy, meta-analysis finds 1 in 7 COPD patients decline or stop breathing therapy
This systematic review and meta-analysis of patients with COPD newly prescribed long-term noninvasive positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy…
A new analysis finds 14% of COPD patients decline or stop long-term breathing therapy, often within six weeks.
Jun 4, 2026
NIV with total face mask managed acute respiratory failure in two patients with Madelung's disease and COVID-19 pneumonia
Rheumatology Sys. Review
NIV with total face mask managed acute respiratory failure in two patients with Madelung's disease and COVID-19 pneumonia Non-invasive ventilation may help patients with Madelung's disease and respiratory failure
This case series describes non-invasive ventilation using a total face mask in two patients with Madelung's disease who experienced acute re…
A small case series suggests non-invasive ventilation can manage acute respiratory failure in patients with Madelung's disease, though more …
Frontiers Jun 4, 2026
Renal denervation combined with pulmonary vein isolation increases freedom from atrial fibrillation risk in resistant hypertension patients
Cardiology Meta-analysis
Renal denervation combined with pulmonary vein isolation increases freedom from atrial fibrillation risk in resistant hypertension patients Renal denervation may help resistant hypertension patients with heart issues
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated renal denervation in patients with resistant hypertension. The pooled analysis included 8…
A meta-analysis suggests renal denervation improves heart and sleep markers in patients with resistant hypertension, though larger trials ar…
Jun 2, 2026
Radiotherapy and chemotherapy show no clear link to obstructive sleep apnea in head and neck cancer patients
ENT (Otolaryngology) Meta-analysis
Radiotherapy and chemotherapy show no clear link to obstructive sleep apnea in head and neck cancer patients Radiation for head and neck cancer may raise sleep apnea risk
This scoping review with exploratory meta-analysis of 13 studies found no significant association between radiotherapy or chemotherapy and i…
A review of 13 studies suggests a possible link between radiation for head and neck cancer and mild sleep apnea, but the evidence is too wea…
Jun 2, 2026
Non-surgical weight loss reduces AHI by 11.10 in adults with obstructive sleep apnoea
Primary Care & Family Medicine Meta-analysis
Non-surgical weight loss reduces AHI by 11.10 in adults with obstructive sleep apnoea Non-surgical weight loss lowers sleep apnea severity and blood pressure in adults
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated non-surgical weight loss interventions in adults with obstructive sleep apnoea. The poole…
Non-surgical weight loss significantly reduced sleep apnea severity and blood pressure in adults, though long-term results remain uncertain.
Jun 1, 2026
MAD shows modest BP benefit over CPAP in OSA patients
Neurology Meta-analysis
MAD shows modest BP benefit over CPAP in OSA patients Mandibular advancement devices lower blood pressure better than CPAP for some patients
A meta-analysis found mandibular advancement devices slightly outperform CPAP for lowering daytime blood pressure in obstructive sleep apnea…
For patients with obstructive sleep apnea, a new analysis shows mandibular advancement devices reduced daytime blood pressure more than CPAP…
Frontiers May 25, 2026
Delayed arousal timing links to higher mortality in sleep apnea patients
Pulmonology & Critical Care Meta-analysis
Delayed arousal timing links to higher mortality in sleep apnea patients Timing of breathing pauses predicts death risk in obstructive sleep apnea
A meta-analysis found that each one-second delay in post-apnea arousal peak time was associated with increased all-cause and cardiovascular …
New analysis shows how late a breathing pause wakes you up predicts higher death risk for men with obstructive sleep apnea.
medRxiv May 21, 2026

Research across Sleep Disorders, Intrinsic

Related studies from across the Sleep Disorders, Intrinsic family.

Combined exercise modalities show highest probability of effectiveness for adolescent sleep disorders
Primary Care & Family Medicine Meta-analysis
Combined exercise modalities show highest probability of effectiveness for adolescent sleep disorders Combined exercises may improve sleep disorders in Chinese adolescents
This systematic review and network meta-analysis of 1,375 Chinese adolescents indicates that combined aerobic and mind-body exercise (AE + M…
Combining aerobic and mind-body exercises could offer a more effective way to help teenagers struggling with sleep disorders.
Frontiers Jul 25, 2026
Predictors of Polysomnography Progression in Children with Mild Sleep-Disordered Breathing
Pediatrics RCT
Predictors of Polysomnography Progression in Children with Mild Sleep-Disordered Breathing Certain risk factors may signal when children need surgery sooner
Identifying specific risk factors like ADHD and asthma can help clinicians determine which children with mild sleep-disordered breathing req…
New data shows that conditions like asthma and ADHD can make it more likely that a child's snoring and breathing issues will worsen over tim…
Jul 18, 2026
Mind-body therapies significantly improve sleep quality in perinatal women with a mean difference of -2.63
Primary Care & Family Medicine Meta-analysis
Mind-body therapies significantly improve sleep quality in perinatal women with a mean difference of -2.63 Mind-body therapies improve sleep quality for perinatal women
This systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials involving 782 participants found that mindfulness, Pilates, and …
Yoga, Pilates, and mindfulness may offer a helpful way for pregnant and new mothers to improve their sleep quality during a demanding time.
Frontiers Jun 19, 2026
Preoperative comorbidities linked to reduced weight loss after metabolic and bariatric surgery in adults
Nutrition & Obesity Medicine Meta-analysis
Preoperative comorbidities linked to reduced weight loss after metabolic and bariatric surgery in adults Pre-existing health conditions may slightly reduce weight loss after surgery
A meta-analysis of twenty-three studies reveals that mental illness, diabetes, and sleep apnea are associated with slightly lower weight los…
Adults with mental illness or diabetes before surgery saw slightly less weight loss. Other conditions like high blood pressure did not affec…
Jun 6, 2026
Team sports may improve sleep quality but evidence is inconsistent and limited
Psychiatry Meta-analysis
Team sports may improve sleep quality but evidence is inconsistent and limited Team sports may improve sleep quality in young people
This systematic review of 809 participants across diverse populations found that team sports such as football and basketball may improve sle…
A review of studies suggests team sports like football and volleyball could help improve sleep for adolescents, students, and athletes, but …
Frontiers Jun 3, 2026
Sleep problems affect 61% of adults with rheumatoid arthritis in WHO EMRO countries
Psychiatry Meta-analysis
Sleep problems affect 61% of adults with rheumatoid arthritis in WHO EMRO countries Sleep troubles hit 60.9% of adults with rheumatoid arthritis in the Eastern Mediterranean
This systematic review and meta-analysis of 2,315 adults with rheumatoid arthritis in WHO EMRO countries found sleep-related problems are hi…
Sleep problems affect more than six out of ten adults with rheumatoid arthritis in the Eastern Mediterranean. Depression and pain are the st…
Frontiers May 30, 2026
Sleep and circadian rhythm alterations associate with prolonged ventilation and worse outcomes in adult ICU patients
Neurology Sys. Review
Sleep and circadian rhythm alterations associate with prolonged ventilation and worse outcomes in adult ICU patients Disrupted sleep in the ICU linked to worse outcomes
This narrative review examines sleep and circadian rhythm alterations in adult ICU patients. The authors synthesize associations between dis…
Poor sleep in the ICU is tied to longer ventilation, delirium, and lasting health problems. New review highlights the hidden cost of broken …
Frontiers May 29, 2026
Meta-analysis finds poor sleep quality affects nearly half of Ethiopian women of reproductive age
Psychiatry Meta-analysis
Meta-analysis finds poor sleep quality affects nearly half of Ethiopian women of reproductive age Nearly half of Ethiopian women of reproductive age report poor sleep
This meta-analysis of observational studies synthesized data on poor sleep quality among 4,376 women in Ethiopia. The pooled prevalence was …
A review of 4,376 Ethiopian women finds almost half struggle with poor sleep, linked to unplanned pregnancy, violence, and depression.
Frontiers May 20, 2026
Adenotonsillectomy with turbinate ablation shows no added benefit for pediatric SDB
Pediatrics RCT
Adenotonsillectomy with turbinate ablation shows no added benefit for pediatric SDB Submucosal ablation adds little benefit to adenotonsillectomy for children
This randomized prospective study compared adenotonsillectomy with submucosal ablation of turbinates (AT with SAT) versus AT alone in 51 chi…
A small study found no significant difference in nasal quality of life between children receiving adenotonsillectomy alone versus those also…
May 1, 2026
Umbrella review identifies risk factors and protective factors for male infertility and semen quality
Nutrition & Obesity Medicine Meta-analysis
Umbrella review identifies risk factors and protective factors for male infertility and semen quality New study lists many things that hurt male fertility and health
This umbrella review of 43 studies synthesizes evidence on risk factors for male infertility and abnormal semen parameters.
A new review shows that obesity, smoking, and certain illnesses can hurt sperm, but healthy habits might fix the problem.
May 1, 2026
Systematic review and meta-analysis shows Tai Chi improves sleep quality in cancer patients
Neurology Meta-analysis
Systematic review and meta-analysis shows Tai Chi improves sleep quality in cancer patients Gentle Movement Helps Cancer Patients Rest Better Tonight
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effect of Tai Chi on sleep quality in cancer patients.
Cancer patients struggling with insomnia may find relief through gentle Tai Chi movements that improve sleep quality significantly.
Frontiers Apr 28, 2026
Review finds bed partners have more sleep apnea than pregnant co-sleepers in third trimester
OB/GYN & Women's Health
Review finds bed partners have more sleep apnea than pregnant co-sleepers in third trimester Pregnant women sleep better than their partners despite restlessness
This review of an observational study examined sleep physiology in 41 pregnant participants and 36 bed partners.
Healthy pregnant women sleep better than their bed partners, who face a much higher risk of severe sleep apnea during this time.
medRxiv Apr 26, 2026

Questions about Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Is obstructive sleep apnea linked to muscle loss or sarcopenia in older adults?

Research confirms that obstructive sleep apnea is linked to sarcopenia, or muscle loss, specifically in older adults, with the risk increasing with age and disease severity.

Full answer →
Which treatment works best for lowering apnea-hypopnea index in obstructive sleep apnea patients?

CPAP produces the largest reduction in apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), while GLP-1 medications improve weight and metabolic health in OSA patients.

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Do people with obstructive sleep apnea have different brain fluid flow than healthy controls?

Yes, people with obstructive sleep apnea show impaired brain fluid flow (glymphatic dysfunction) compared to healthy controls, as measured by MRI-based markers.

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Is tirzepatide a better cost-effective weight loss option than semaglutide for obstructive sleep apnea?

A 2025 simulation study found tirzepatide cost-effective vs semaglutide for obesity, including OSA risk, but no direct cost comparison for OSA alone exists.

Full answer →
Can childhood asthma make a person more likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea later?

Yes, childhood asthma is linked to a higher risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea later, with studies showing about 66% increased odds.

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See all 5 questions about Obstructive Sleep Apnea →

All Obstructive Sleep Apnea Articles