Effects of Lemborexant on Sleep Apnea

A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial on the Effects of Lemborexant as a Treatment for Moderate-to-severe OSA Patients With Low Arousal Threshold

Phase1; Phase2 Interventional Chulalongkorn University · NCT05763329

This study is testing if the sleep medication Lemborexant can improve sleep quality and alertness in people with moderate to severe sleep apnea.

Quick facts

PhasePhase1; Phase2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment10 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorChulalongkorn University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Pathum Wan, Bangkok)
Trial IDNCT05763329 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effects of Lemborexant, a medication, on patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who have a low arousal threshold. It is a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover trial involving two overnight polysomnography sessions with a one-week washout period. Participants will receive either Lemborexant or a placebo before sleep, and various sleep parameters will be assessed, including the apnea/hypopnea index and sleep efficiency. The study aims to determine how Lemborexant impacts sleep quality and alertness in these patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are untreated adults aged 18 to 65 with moderate to severe OSA and a low arousal threshold.

Not a fit: Patients with other respiratory disorders, those using CPAP or dental devices, or individuals with uncontrolled comorbid conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve sleep quality and daytime alertness for patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific use of Lemborexant in this context is novel, similar studies have shown promise in improving sleep parameters in OSA patients.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Untreated OSA patient 18 - 65 years of age(49)
* AHI ≥15 events/h of sleep (moderate to severe)(23, 49)
* Low arousal threshold was defined using previously recommended criteria which allocated a score of 1 to each criterion that was satisfied: (apnea-hypopnea index, \<30 events per hour) + (nadir oxygen saturation as measured by pulse oximetry \>82.5%) + (fraction of hypopneas \>58.3%). A score of 2 or above defined a low arousal threshold(50) (low arousal threshold defined as esophageal pressure values are 0 to -15 cmH2O)(27)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous allergy or adverse effects with Lemborexant or other sedatives - Taking any medication that affects sleep or other variable measured in this study - Pregnant or nursing mothers - Respiratory disorders other than OSA - Comorbid disease of poor controlled or resistant hypertension, uncontrolled cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease
* Using CPAP or other dental devices
* Unable to tolerate equipment in this study

Where this trial is running

Pathum Wan, Bangkok

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions OSAApnea/Hypopnea IndexLemborexantObstructive Sleep ApneaLow Arousal ThresholdPolysomnography
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.