Abstract
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is becoming a commonly recognized condition that has important cognitive and cardiovascular sequella if left untreated. Men are more commonly affected probably due to anatomical and functional differences in the pharyngeal airway wall. Inspiration causes collapse and results in apnea. Women may be protected by the remote effects of female sex hormones in some fashion stabilizing the pharyngeal walls. Central sleep apnea is also more common in men, perhaps due to heightened chemosensitivity of CO2. Treatment of OSA is most commonly accomplished using positive airway pressure through the nose (nasal CPAP). Use of CPAP throughout the night remains problematic in many patients. Other therapies include surgery to remove redundant tissue in the upper airway, and dental devices to jet forward the mandible thus opening the airway. Medical treatment includes weight loss, side or prone sleeping, avoidance of alcohol and other sedative drugs.
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