Oxytocin Nasal Spray to be Investigated for Reducing CPAP Pressure in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a highly prevalent disorder linked to significant cardiometabolic morbidity. Current first-line therapy, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), often faces suboptimal long-term adherence due to discomfort and side effects from high pressure settings. This creates a critical gap for adjunctive therapies that could reduce CPAP requirements. Oxytocin, a neuropeptide, is being investigated for its potential role in modulating upper airway muscle tone and respiratory control, offering a novel approach to improve OSA management and reduce the harmful effects of hypoxia.

This 35-night study will investigate the effect of intra-nasal oxytocin on CPAP pressure requirements in OSA patients. Participants will spend three nights in a sleep lab at George Washington University. The study aims to determine if an intra-nasal nose spray of oxytocin can decrease the amount of pressure needed from an automatic CPAP device during sleep. This design includes a conventional treatment (PLACEBO_COMPARATOR) arm, where participants receive hygiene and diet recommendations on sleep, alongside the placebo nasal spray, to isolate oxytocin's specific impact on CPAP settings and oxygen saturation.