Eric J. Olson, M.D.

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SUMMARY

The research of Eric J. Olson, M.D., focuses on the diagnosis, consequences, and management of sleep disorders, particularly sleep-disordered breathing syndromes such as obstructive sleep apnea. He also has a long-standing interest in REM sleep behavior disorder, a parasomnia characterized by dream enactment episodes during sleep.

Focus areas

• Treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Olson assesses the effectiveness of various treatment options for improving breathing during sleep, including different types of positive airway pressure therapies and sleep apnea surgeries.
• Characterization of unwanted movements during REM sleep. Dr. Olson collaborates on studies that seek to better define patients who experience unwanted movements or vocalizations during rapid eye movement sleep, also known as REM sleep.

Significance to patient care

Obstructive sleep apnea is common and underrecognized. It also has significant cardiovascular, behavioral, and metabolic consequences. Learning more about the impact of therapies allows patients to make more-informed, personalized treatment decisions.

Professional highlights

• American Academy of Sleep Medicine:
  • Member, board of directors, 2016-present.
  • President, board of directors, 2024-2025.
• Chair, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 2000-present.
• Member, board of directors, American Academy of Sleep Medicine Foundation, 2016-2024.
• Henry S. Plummer Distinguished Physician Award, Mayo Clinic, 2018.
• Co-director, Center for Sleep Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 2003-2015.