Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (OSAS) is a disorder characterised by recurring episodes of sleep apnoea, which are caused by obstruction of the upper airway. The recurring cessation of breathing is accompanied by hypoxaemia, hypertension, strong snoring, repeated awaking from sleep and overall activation of the sympathetic part of the vegetative nervous system. Patients suffering from the disorder are exposed to an increased risk of myocardial infarction, apoplexy, malignant arrhythmia, hypertension and accelerated onset of atherosclerosis.

        Key words: obstructive sleep apnea – pathofysiology