ABSTRACT
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), caused by recurrent episodes of upper airway obstruction during sleep, is associated with periodic arousals from sleep and oxyhemoglobin desaturations. Sleep disturbance and abnormal oxygenation are thought to be the primary cause of the clinical sequelae of OSA. These sequelae include daytime hypersomnolence, arterial and pulmonary hypertension, and cardiopulmonary failure. Treatment of OSA is directed toward the relief of upper airway obstruction so that the clinical manifestations of the disorder are resolved or are avoided.
