Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent disorder characterized by partial or complete upper airway obstruction during sleep, leading to intermittent hypopnea and/or apnea episodes primarily during inspiration. These events result in decreased arterial oxygen saturation, triggering autonomic dysregulation and chronic conditions affecting cardiovascular, pulmonary, and neurocognitive systems.

 

Initially described as obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) in 1956, the condition was associated with excessive daytime sleepiness and dubbed "Pickwickian syndrome" after a fictional character in Charles Dickens' novel. Over time, descriptions of OHS, central sleep apnea, and OSA were categorized under sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), with OSA emerging as the most clinically significant. OSA is linked to various diseases, including hypertension, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, cerebrovascular accidents, and pulmonary hypertension.

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OSA manifests as episodes of upper airway collapse during sleep, leading to fragmented, nonrestorative sleep, loud snoring, witnessed apneas, and daytime sleepiness. It significantly impacts cardiovascular health, mental well-being, quality of life, and driving safety. Globally, millions of adults suffer from mild to severe OSA, with a considerable portion remaining undiagnosed. Despite diagnostic and therapeutic advancements, OSA is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, particularly related to cardiovascular issues and stroke. The economic burden of undiagnosed OSA is substantial, emphasizing the importance of improving diagnosis rates and exploring novel treatment approaches.