Understanding how obstructive sleep apnea affects men and women differently
Official title: Basis of sex-specific therapeutic responses to obstructive sleep apnea: Oxidative stress, inflammation, and vascular function
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-10930195 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how obstructive sleep apnea affects heart health differently in men and women, especially as women age and go through menopause, to find out why women might have more trouble with blood vessel function and to discover better treatments for both sexes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 23, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $757,364 |
| NIH project number | 1R56HL168675-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10930195 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are middle-aged and older women diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger or do not have obstructive sleep apnea may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the differences in how obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) impacts cardiovascular health in men and women, particularly focusing on oxidative stress and inflammation. It aims to understand why women may experience worse vascular function as they age, especially after menopause when estrogen levels drop. By examining the biological mechanisms involved, the study seeks to identify sex-specific therapeutic responses to OSA. Patients may undergo assessments related to their vascular health and oxidative stress levels to contribute to this important understanding.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for women suffering from obstructive sleep apnea and related cardiovascular issues.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated sex-specific differences in health outcomes related to obstructive sleep apnea, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Aurora, Rashmi Nisha — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Aurora, Rashmi Nisha
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Mechanisms of sex-specific responses to sleep apnea therapies
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Night-to-night sleep-disordered breathing differences in women and men
A study to find better biomarkers for sleep apnea severity, especially in women, by monitoring people at home for a week and tracking daily mood and energy.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.