Significance of Early Detection and Treatment of Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Abstract

Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is an umbrella term for several chronic conditions in which partial or complete cessation of breathing occurs many times throughout the; one SDB condition in particular, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), has been globally recognized as a growing public health issue. OSAS is a chronic disease involving repetitive pauses in breathing during sleep that can cause numerous health issues if left untreated such as increased risk for hypertension, coronary heart disease, type-2 diabetes, stroke and depression.Daytime sleepiness, which can occur secondary to OSAS, impacts oneʼs ability to operate a motor vehicle properly and is likened to driving under the influence of alcohol. Early screening has the potential to identify OSAS and initiate subsequent treatment, which can improve breathing during sleep and decrease daytime sleepiness. The significance of early detection cannot be overlooked, as the far-reaching effects of OSAS have large public health implications.

Sleep disordered breathing and subjective excessive daytime sleepiness in relation to the risk of motor vehicle crash: the Toon Health Study

“…Moreover, the treatment with continuous positive airway pressure reduces the risk of MVCs 7 . Thus, early detection and prevention of SDB carries safety significance 8 .…”