Current Projects
AISH is recognised around the world as a leading centre for clinical and basic RESEARCH, with special emphasis on sleep breathing disorders and insomnia.
Our projects are funded by the Australia's National Health and Medical Research Council, Flinders University, Lions Foundation and Industry and Foundation Daw Park.
How Does Sleep Apnoea Affect Memory?
This study will test Apnoea patients and controls before and after sleep using some simple memory tests to examine, a) how sleep apnoea affects memory in general and b) how sleep apnoea affects memory at a more specific overnight level.
The Effect Of Repetitive Low Blood Oxygen Levels on Increased Breathing Load Sensations
This study will investigate the effects of intermittent hypoxia (reduced levels of oxygen in the blood) on sensations arising from increased loads to breathing.
Sleep Disordered Breathing in Patients with Chronic Pain and Long Term Opiate Therapy
This study looks at the relationship of opiates (when used for patients with chronic pain), and the occurrence of sleep apnoea.
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and Daytime Functioning
This important study examines how OSA affects daytime functioning. Patients are assessed using laboratory tests of reaction time and a driving simulator. We aim to discover how OSA severity affects performance, as well as examining vulnerability to sleep restriction and alcohol.
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and On-Road Driving
This new study examines how OSA affects city driving. Patients are assessed by a qualified driving instructor in a dual-controlled car, measuring minor errors in decision making.
Effects of CPAP treatment on cardiac risk markers during sleep
This study will investigate how blood-clotting and heart rates change during sleep in OSA patients. This will allow us to determine if OSA has acute or short term negative effects on the cardiovascular system during sleep, which may lead to adverse cardiovascular events during sleep (eg stroke).
Lung volume and Diaphragm position: changes at sleep onset
This new study will evaluate lung volume and diaphragm position changes at sleep onset in OSA. We believe that OSA patients show a greater fall in lung volume, and greater upwards displacement of the diaphragm thus decreasing body oxygen and making the throat more vulnerable to collapse.
Home diagnosis and management of Sleep Apnoea
A new study to start in 2007 will look at new and simplified ways to diagnose and manage sleep apnoea in general practice, using the expertise of GPs and community nurses and simplified home sleep studies. The findings of this important research have the potential to reduce waiting lists and make the management of OSA simpler, more cost-effective and easier for everyone.
A new device for stabilising respiratory control during sleep?
AISH has developed a prototype device for preventing low carbon dioxide levels and low breathing conditions following periods of increased breathing such as occurs with brief arousal and some abnormal patterns of breathing. This study will examine the effect of this device in OSA.