Entering a New Era in Sleep-Apnea Treatment

Obstructive sleep apnea is one of the most common respiratory disorders worldwide. Persons with obstructive sleep apnea can have loud snoring that is detrimental to social relationships and have breathing problems that result in recurrent nocturnal awakenings, unrefreshing sleep, and excessive daytime sleepiness — effects that together can substantially impair quality of life. Excess weight is the most important risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea; it is responsible for approximately 60% of moderate-to-severe cases of obstructive sleep apnea in the United States.1 Clinical guidelines therefore recommend evidence-based weight-loss strategies as part of the comprehensive management of obstructive sleep apnea.2 Unfortunately, . . .