Sleep apnoea - Continuous positive airway pressure best treatment for this 'unsilent' disorder

Sleep apnoea, a breathing disorder consisting of complete pauses or partial decreases in breathing during sleep, is often associated with snoring and daytime sleepiness. Obstructive sleep apnoea is usually caused by upper airway obstruction. Less common is central sleep apnoea, resulting from lack of inspiratory effort, which may result from heart failure or stroke. Sleep apnoea runs in families, is more common in obese people, affects daily functioning, and carries cardiovascular risks. The most effective treatments is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Numerous drugs have been tested, but none are proven to be effective in improving sleep quality. Modafinil improves daytime sleepiness when used as an adjunct therapy to CPAP in obstructive sleep apnoea. © 2004 Adis Data Information BV. All rights reserved.