Due to the increased interest of the medical community in sleep disorders a
n experts meeting was called to establish common criteria for diagnosis, tr
eatment and management of these disorders. Adult prevalence of sleep apnea/
hipopnea syndrome (SA/ HS) is about 2-4% and increases in the elderly. Snor
ing and excessive daytime somnolence (EDS) are habitual symptoms. Increased
risk to cardiovascular disorders and traffic accidents are the major compl
ications. Increased upper airways resistance syndrome is a recently describ
ed syndrome which also involves EDS. A standardized questionnaire was devel
oped and its use was recommended in order to evaluate patients with respira
tory sleep disorders (RSD). Polysomnography was established as gold standar
d in the diagnosis of RSD. Minimal requirement of split night studies and s
creening studies was also standardized and specific indications were summar
ized. Medical treatment of obesity in relationship to RSD was analyzed. Nas
al continuous positive airways pressure (CPAP) was established as the first
choice treatment of SA/HS. Titration of CPAP was standardized. Oral applia
nces with mandibular advancement could be considered in the treatment of sn
oring patients without SA/HS and in patients with increased upper airways r
esistance syndrome. Uvulopalatopharingoplasty can only be performed in snor
ing patients in whom the presence of SA/HS has been dismissed by polysomnog
raphy. Management of patients must include periodic clinical control. EDS m
ust be determined by Epworth test. In order to evaluate CPAP compliance the
use of time-controlled devices is highly recommended.