Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Abstract

Sleep is a naturally occurring state characterized by altered consciousness, relatively inhibited sensory activity and inhibition of almost all voluntary muscles. The importance of sleep may be observed across mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, some forms of insects and even in simple phyla such as nematodes suggesting that it is both universal and essential across the animal kingdom. Sleep disorders and related diseases are becoming increasingly relevant for health and well-being. These conditions affect different aspects of health, showing bidirectionality with a wide range of conditions and comorbidities. They have several negative consequences for the individual as well as the society on the whole in terms of health, loss in productivity and other social costs.