According to a study published in the journal Chest, researchers from Flinders University found that medication in development for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) showed promising results after being tested in humans for the first time.

The medication was designed to prevent the narrowing or collapse of the upper airways during sleep. The researchers noted that the medication can be used as a potential alternative to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, which is not well tolerated by most of OSA patients.

In the study, the drug was tested on 12 OSA patients using either nasal drops, a nasal spray, or via a direct application using an endoscope, versus a placebo.

After application, the team found significant, consistent, and sustainable improvements in the airways of the patients. They also found that after the application of the medication, the airways remained open throughout the sleep duration in comparison to the placebo, regardless of the delivery method used. 

(Source: https://theprint.in/health/nasal-spray-might-help-with-sleep-apnea-study/1255991/ )