Sleep apnea syndrome and morbid snoring

Regular, continuous snoring usually does not have any sleep disturbing effects; however, discontinuous snoring may be associated with increased upper airway resistance and leads to recurrent arousals, sleep fragmentation and excessive daytime sleepiness. Loud snoring, recurrent obstructive apneas and oxygen desaturation during sleep with excessive daytime sleepiness are the hallmarks of the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). A tentative diagnosis of disturbed breathing during sleep can be made from a careful history and confirmed by a sleep study. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) applied by a nasal mask is the primary treatment for OSAS and for snoring associated with increased upper airway resistance and symptoms of sleep disruption. CPAP may improve sleep quality, excessive daytime sleepiness, and potentially vascular morbidity and mortality among patients with severe OSAS.