Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) refers to a widespectrum of sleep-related conditions including increased resistance to airflowthrough the upper airway, heavy snoring, marked reduction in airflow(hypopnea), and complete cessation of breathing (apnea). Increased resistanceto airflow without frank apnea has been referred to as upper airway resistancesyndrome; apneas and hypopneas are classified as central, obstructive, ormixed; Patients with sleep disordered breathing can experience daytimesymptoms, such as sleepiness or excessive somnolence, depressed mood,irritability, and cognitive dysfunction, that can adversely effecthealth-related quality of life. The sequelae of SDB result both fromapnea-associated oxygen desaturation and from sleep disturbance. Ultimately,this condition can lead to any number of medical problems, including increasedautomobile accidents, hypertension and other CV diseases, cognitive impairment,impotence and metabolic syndrome. A variety of treatment options are availablefor patients with sleep disordered breathing. Interventions for obstructivesleep apnea, for example, include behavioral intervention, diet and exerciseprograms, medications, jaw repositioning or tongue retraining, continuouspositive airway pressure (CPAP), or surgical procedures for removing orcircumventing obstruction.