SLEEP APNEA SYNDROME: ETIOPATHOGENESIS, CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS, CONTEMPORARY DIAGNOSTIC APPROACHES, AND EVIDENCE BASED THERAPEUTIC STRATEGIES

Abstract

Sleep apnea syndrome (SAS), particularly obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), has become one of the most significant challenges in modern medicine, extending beyond the fields of cardiology and endocrinology. Sleep apnea syndrome is a chronic, multifactorial disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of partial or complete cessation of breathing during sleep. This condition not only impairs normal sleep quality but also contributes to the development of severe cardiovascular, endocrine, neurological, and metabolic complications. This review comprehensively discusses the etiological factors and pathogenetic mechanisms underlying sleep apnea syndrome, the diversity of its clinical manifestations, contemporary diagnostic approaches, and current evidence-based treatment strategies. Particular emphasis is placed on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, which remains the gold-standard treatment for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea.