Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is by far the single most common disorder seen at sleep centers and is responsible for more mortality and morbidity than any other sleep disorder.<sup>100 National Commission on Sleep Disorders Research  Washington, DC: Government Printing Office (1993).  1-76

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> Although OSAS was identified more than 3 decades ago, the majority of physicians have had no formal training in recognizing or treating the condition. Furthermore, new information concerning the diagnosis and treatment of obstructed breathing during sleep is emerging faster than older concepts can be disseminated. The result is that most patients with treatable sleep-related breathing disorders currently remain undiagnosed.

OSAS is defined as repetitive episodes of complete (in apneas) or partial (in hypopneas) upper airway obstruction during sleep; their resulting symptoms, including either excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) or insomnia; and often other features, such as loud snoring or a dry mouth on awakening.<sup>4 American Sleep Disorders Association ICSD—International Classification of Sleep Disorders: Diagnostic and Coding Manual Diagnostic Classification Steering Committee, Thorpy MJ (Chairman) Rochester, MN: American Sleep Disorders Association (1990).  1-396

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> Polysomnography, which usually is required to confirm the presence of OSAS or to assess its severity, demonstrates the apneic events, arterial oxygen desaturation, and disturbed sleep architecture. The multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) or other tests can help to demonstrate abnormal daytime sleep tendency or to evaluate response to therapy.<sup>3 American Sleep Disorders Association The clinical use of the multiple sleep latency test Sleep 1992 ;  15 : 268

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This article first summarizes the history of OSAS briefly and then focuses on current, clinically relevant knowledge regarding OSAS. Recent advances in the understanding of conditions related to OSAS and the array of treatment options for patients with these disorders are highlighted also.