Therapeutic Change of Sleep Structure and Function by Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Application in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome(OSAS) is most frequently diagnosed in the sleep laboratories and its severity is objectively estimated. In terms of treatment, the most prevalent method is the continuous positive airway pressure(CPAP) application as of now. However, in Korea, CPAP is still not sufficiently known and it is attributable to the fact that sleep study facilities have not been popularized. In this article, the authors present their own experience with CPAP in nine subjects with OSAS. In this study, CPAP was found to decrease stage 1 sleep and to increase stage 2 sleep, with increasing mean oxygen saturation and decreasing lowest oxygen saturation during nocturnal sleep. Also, it tended to increase sleep continuity and generally to improve sleep architecture. Rebound slow wave and/or REM sleep stages during CPAP were also noted in 8 out of 9 cases. The authors suggest that CPAP should be considered as the primary mode of treatment for patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and related educational programs for physicians should be developed and provided by sleep specialists.