Treatment outcome of sleep apnea

Two hundred one patients diagnosed as having obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) were interviewed 12-24 months after their evaluation regarding those daytime symptoms associated with sleep apnea: sleepiness, fatigue, impaired memory, and snoring. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) was the treatment most often used by severe sleep apnea patients, and this improved daytime alertness in 84% of the patients. Patients with moderate obstructive sleep apnea often had surgery which led to 85% reporting improved daytime alertness. Patients with mild obstructive sleep apnea usually were treated with weight loss or changing sleep position and also improved 64% and 66%. Patients who declined or failed treatment did not improve. Guidelines for the treatment of sleep apnea are suggested.