Sleep-related breathing disorders encompass a wide range of problems that occur during sleep. The most common sleep-related breathing disorder is obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). OSAS is increasingly prevalent, underdiagnosed and can lead to significant daytime sleepiness and disability. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the treatment of choice for OSAS but lack of adherence to CPAP is rampant. Supportive care, education, and motivational enhancement programs do show promise in improving compliance. Alternatives to CPAP such as oral appliances, hypoglossal nerve stimulation, and myofunctional therapy have not been proved as efficacious but may provide some benefit. In the future, personalized treatment may be the best way to approach this condition. Central sleep apnea and hypoventilation are other forms of sleep-related breathing disorders. Treatment largely depends on the underlying condition but may require the use of advanced modes of noninvasive ventilation such as adaptive servo-ventilation, bilevel positive airway pressure, and volume-assured pressure support. Treatment of sleep-related breathing disorders is complex and includes seeking patient input, understanding barriers to treatment, and reevaluating patients after treatment is initiated. Successful treatment of sleep-disordered breathing can lead to improvements in daytime function, quality of life, and overall health.
Effects of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure on Sleep EEG Characteristics in Patients with Primary Central Sleep Apnea Syndrome
