Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition where sleep is interrupted by abnormal breathing, and other common sleep disorders affect millions of Canadians every year. When undiagnosed and untreated, these disorders can negatively impact daytime functionality, reduce quality of life, and lead to many long-term health issues.
In this CDA Oasis discussion, Dr. Stephen Bray, diplomate at the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, and Dr. Wayne Lai, neurologist, sleep specialist, and clinical assistant professor at the University of British Columbia, outline the long-term consequences of untreated OSA and discuss the effectiveness of two common therapies: continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and oral appliance therapy (OAT).