The Watch PAT Sleep Assessment Device is now available for patient use. It will allow us to monitor improvements with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) therapy devices like the Somnodent.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with significant morbidity and those suffering from OSA often exhibit abnormal sleep architecture. REM sleep may be greatly reduced or absent in moderate to severe cases of OSA. REM and dreaming are necessary for healthy brain function. Proper REM sleep facilitates consolidation of memory, stimulation of the brain and the solving of daytime problems and conflicts. REM deprivation causes memory disruption and impairs the recollection of newly learned material. REM sleep detection is a fundamental aspect in the correct analysis of a sleep study.
If left untreated, Obstructive Sleep Apnoea can lead to: Hypertension, Cardiovascular Diseases, Daytime Sleepiness, Depression, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Erectile Dysfunction and Premature Mortality.
The importance of the Watch-PAT in the detection of OSA lies in its unique features, including the detection of sleep stages (REM/NREM, Wake/Sleep, Light/Deep sleep) and its proven diagnostic accuracy/screening in apnoea assessment. The main benefit being that it is a small unit that attaches to the hand with a microphone stuck onto the chest. No cumbersome, uncomfortable leads around the head. Best of all, you get to use it in the comfort of your own bed at home!