Title:Neurobiological Staging with Special Reference to Sleep Apnoea Syndrome: An
Update
Volume: 1
Author(s): Anuj Kumar Sharma and Mayank Kulshreshtha*
Affiliation:
- Department of Pharmacology, Rajiv Academy for Pharmacy, Mathura (U.P.), India
Keywords:
Sleep apnea syndrome, Sleep, Brain, Polysomnography, Positive airway pressure, Medication.
Abstract: Sleep apnea (SA) or Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a widely spread sleep disorder marked by repetitions of a complete or partial collapse of
the upper airways during sleep. The pathogenesis of OSA is due to the recurrent obstruction of the pharyngeal airway during sleep. The risk factors
contributing to upper airway obstruction are obesity, cardiovascular diseases, craniofacial changes, alcohol and smoking. The condition is
associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The diagnosis is established with polysomnography (PSG). Lifestyle changes such as weight
loss, keeping away from alcohol, tobacco, and sedatives and altering the usual sleeping body position help out in decreasing apnoea symptoms.
Various treatments are available for the successful management of this disease, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is mainly used
in patients with severe SA and oral appliances are widely used in mild to moderate SA and for patients intolerant to CPAP therapy. There are many
options available for surgical therapy, with the UPPP (Uvulopalato-pharyngoplasty) being the most widely employed. Also, a number of
medications such as tricyclic antidepressants (TCA’s), decongestants, nasal steroids, antihypertensive agents, CNS stimulants and supplementary
oxygen are used for treating patients with OSA.
