Obstructive sleep apnea - An overview of the disorder and its consequences

Sleep apnea, and particularly obstructive sleep apnea, is a common disorder that is characterized by repetitive partial or complete cessation of air flow, associated with oxyhemoglobin desaturation and increased effort to breath. Middle-aged obese men are at particular risk but the disorder is also present in women and young children. Because individuals with narrow airways and/or craniofacial anomalies may have increased risk for obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome, dentistry can play a pivotal role in the identification and possible treatment of patients with this syndrome. This article reviews some of the basic aspects of this sleep-related disorder, its diagnosis, treatment, and consequences in both adults and children.