The IPAD Cohort Study: Insomnia and Positive Airway Pressure Adherence in Children and Adolescents
This study, called the IPAD Cohort Study, is for children and teenagers aged 8-18 who have sleep apnoea and are starting treatment with a special breathing machine called PAP therapy. Many young people find it hard to stick with PAP therapy, and researchers believe insomnia might be part of the problem. They want to see if having insomnia makes it more difficult for children to use their PAP machine regularly. The study also aims to explore if a child's racial or ethnic background affects how well they use the machine. By understanding these connections better, the researchers hope to find new ways to help children manage their sleep apnoea and get the most out of their treatment.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Sleep apnoea is a condition where a child's breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep. One common and effective treatment for this is called PAP therapy, which involves wearing a mask that gently pushes air into the airways to keep them open. While PAP therapy works well, many children struggle to use it consistently. This can mean they don't get the full benefit of the treatment.
Researchers have noticed that adults with both sleep apnoea and insomnia (trouble falling or staying asleep) sometimes find it harder to use their PAP machine. If they treat the insomnia, it often helps them use the PAP machine more. However, we don't know if this is also true for children. This study wants to fill that gap by looking closely at children with sleep apnoea and insomnia to see if there's a link between their insomnia and how well they use their PAP machine over several months.
The study will also consider if a child's race or ethnicity plays a part in how they stick with PAP therapy, as some previous research suggests this could be a factor. By understanding these different influences, the study aims to give doctors and families better information to help children successfully manage their sleep apnoea and improve their quality of life.
Key takeaways
- This study is for children aged 8-18 starting PAP therapy for sleep apnoea.
- It explores how insomnia might affect whether children use their PAP machine regularly.
- Researchers will also look at how a child's background might influence PAP use.
- The goal is to improve future treatments for children with sleep apnoea.
- Participation involves questionnaires and remote data collection from the PAP machine.
- No new medications are involved, and participation is entirely voluntary.
Who may be eligible?
To be part of this study, a child should be between 8 and 18 years old. They must have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnoea, which means their breathing stops and starts often during sleep, and they need to be starting treatment with a PAP therapy machine for the first time.
There are a few reasons why a child might not be able to join. If a child has certain developmental difficulties that would make it hard for them to answer questions in the study, they would not be able to take part. This ensures that all participants can understand and respond to the study tasks.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Is your child aged between 8 and 18 years old?
- Has your child been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnoea?
- Is your child about to start using PAP therapy for the first time?
- Does your child have any developmental difficulties that would make it very hard for them to answer questions?
What does participation involve?
If your child takes part, they will complete some questionnaires with you before they start using their PAP machine. These will ask about their sleep habits, any sleep problems like insomnia, and how their sleep affects their daily life. After starting PAP therapy, you and your child will complete similar questionnaires online at 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months. The study will also remotely collect information from your child's PAP machine about how often and for how long it's being used. There are no extra doctor visits needed for this study; everything is done either before starting PAP therapy or remotely online.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- British Columbia Children's HospitalVerified postcodeVancouver, Canada· Recruiting
Common questions
What is PAP therapy?
PAP (Positive Airway Pressure) therapy uses a machine to send a gentle stream of air through a mask, keeping the airways open while sleeping to help with conditions like sleep apnoea.
What is obstructive sleep apnoea?
This is a condition where a child's breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep because their airway temporarily closes or is blocked.
What is insomnia?
Insomnia means having trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early and not being able to get back to sleep, leaving you feeling tired.
Will my child need to take any new medicines for this study?
No, this study does not involve any new medicines. It focuses on how children use their PAP therapy and how certain sleep challenges might affect this.
Where is this study taking place?
This study is being conducted at two hospitals in Canada: The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto and British Columbia Children's Hospital in Vancouver.
How to find out more
Lena J Xiao, MD MSc
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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