Indications for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in adults.

Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with significant daytime sleepiness, reduced quality of life, insulin resistance, motor vehicle crashes, vascular morbidity and mortality. Current evidence supports the belief that all these parameters can be impacted favorably by treatment. Medical therapy with positive pressure eliminates snoring and favorably affects daytime sleepiness, driving risk, vascular function, vascular risk, and quality of life. Treatment may be difficult to accept or adhere to, and some treatment options are not uniformly effective. The long-term impact of treatment is uncertain.