Overview and implications of obstructive sleep apnoea

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a leading public health problem both in the developed and developing nations. However, awareness regarding diagnostic options, management and consequences of untreated OSA remains inadequate. In developing nations, the resources for adequate sleep medicine facilities are scarce. Therefore, there is a need for low cost, simple and accurate diagnostic and therapeutic modalities exists. Untreated OSA leads to excessive daytime sleepiness, diminished performance and an overall poor quality of life. The role of OSA in promoting insulin resistance, atherosclerosis, hypertension and a procoagulant state has now been established. Newer insights into the biochemical and genetic mediators of OSA have raised hopes regarding the development of a "cure". However, as of now, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy remains the first-line treatment. Though its use improves the quality of life as well as metabolic derangements observed in OSA, patients' acceptance remains low. Its high cost and long-term use are also cumbersome. Newer modes of delivering CPAP, oral appliances and upper airway surgery are the other options available. It is hoped that their appropriate use to increase patients' compliance may improve the quality of life as well as provide a survival benefit.