Medical and nondental treatments of snoring and sleep apnea syndrome.

The prevalence, pathophysiology, and clinical and polysomnographic evaluation of obstructive sleep apnea are reviewed. The history of the development of nasal continuous positive airway pressure, diagnostic titration of the treatment, abolition of nocturnal apneas, and consolidation of sleep architecture by nasal continuous positive airway pressure and long-term patient compliance with the treatment are discussed. The effects of weight gain and weight loss on the severity of obstructive sleep apnea, and cardiovascular and behavioral complications of obstructive sleep apnea are reviewed. Behavioral treatments are discussed.