Faith S. Luyster

Dr. Luyster’s research has demonstrated that comorbid sleep disorders, in particular insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), are a significant problem in chronic disease populations and have a substantial impact on health outcomes when untreated. As adherence is the cornerstone of effective sleep disorder treatments, Dr. Luyster has utilized qualitative research methods to uncover critical factors influencing use of positive airway pressure (PAP) treatment and upper airway stimulation therapy for OSA. The novelty of this approach contributed to the development of a patient-informed couple-oriented intervention for PAP adherence. Guided by the unique perspective that targeted treatments for comorbid sleep disorders will improve chronic disease outcomes, Dr. Luyster has developed a defined line of research investigating the treatment of insomnia in chronic lung disease including adults with asthma and Veterans with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These investigations utilize the Internet for intervention delivery as this innovative strategy reduces access barriers that can lead to nonadherence.

Dr. Luyster has received funding from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Veterans Affairs, and industry. Dr. Luyster has methodological expertise in behavioral interventions research and clinical trials and qualitative methods. Dr. Luyster is the Director of the Sleep and Circadian Science Research Hub at the School of Nursing. She has a joint appointment at the Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System.