Sleep Disorders Program - Vancouver Coastal Health

Sleep Disorders Program

Research

The Sleep Disorders Program at Vancouver Acute is actively involved in a variety of research projects designed to investigate the pathophysiology, diagnosis, consequences, and public health impact of sleep disorders.

Our research is or has been funded by grants from a variety of sources, including CIHR, Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research, BC Lung Association, and the VGH/UBC Hospital Foundation.

We are currently undertaking a wide range of projects associated with sleep disorders, some of which are described below:

  1. Improvement in Sleep Apnea Diagnostic Strategies
    In order to expedite the diagnosis and treatment of patients who have sleep apnea, we are currently conducting a study that compares in-hospital diagnosis and treatment with an ambulatory algorithm. Also, in order to provide diagnostic resources to patients in remote BC locations who don't have easy access to sleep laboratories, we are developing a telemedicine system. This will be an on-line interactive method.

  2. Public Health and Economic Consequences of Sleep Apnea
    We have generated a large database to assess the effects of sleep apnea on work productivity, accidents, and other aspects of public health and safety. We are also attempting to evaluate the potential benefits of treatment for sleep apnea, with respect to public health and economics.
  3. Genetics of Sleep Apnea
    We are investigating the underlying genetic factors responsible for sleep apnea.
  4. Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Disease
    We are conducting projects to assess the effect of sleep apnea on traditional and non-traditional cardiovascular risk markers. The effect of treatment on cardiovascular risk in patients with sleep apnea is also a major research interest of our group.
  5. Assessment of New Technologies to Treat Sleep Apnea
    We are evaluating the potential benefits of new technologies (such as novel CPAP devices) in the treatment of our patients. Furthermore, the benefit of other treatment modalities such as dental appliances are an ongoing focus of our research.
  6. Sleep Deprivation
    Projects related to the occupational health and safety effects of sleep deprivation and sleepiness in health care workers are currently underway.

Contact Us

For further information, or inquiries, regarding participation, please call 604.875.5653.

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