OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA SYNDROME – A MATTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS)is a respiratory disease that affects 2-4% ofthe general population. Because of its clinical symptoms and due to its comorbidities, sleep apnea is a potentially life-threatening disorder, with an enormous negative in uence on quality of life and public health. Although these consequences are well-known among Sleep Medicine researchers, Somnology and Sleep Medicine are not considered a new branch in medical specialties. In this articlewe have outlined some recommendations to address these shortcomings, hoping that the burden of sleep disorders and sleep deprivation canbe minimized. These recommendations addressfour categories: public and professional education;technology; coordination of research initiatives at the Ministry of Health and National Health System; and organization of research, clinical care, and education in academic health centers.