Sleep apnea has been observed since ancient times, even if a treatment or cause was not clear. In the late 19thcentury, the term ‘Pickwickian syndrome” was created to describe symptoms of sleep apnea. However, research concentrated on the patients’ obesity rather than the disordered breathing experienced during sleep.

Then, in 1965, the first polysomnograph recorded apneas during sleep.  Further research established that obesity was not essential for sleep apnea, but that there were other comorbidities associated with it. After sleep apnea research continued, the first sleep clinic was established at Stanford University in California in 1970 by William Dement. Two years later Christian Guilleminault joined the clinic and concentrated on respiratory disorders during sleep.

Sleep Apnea Research

Each year, research on sleep apnea continued to improve, as more medical professionals grew interested in sleep disordered breathing. Between 1975 and 1980, there were 319 articles on sleep apnea appearing in medical literature. This increase in awareness would pave the way for advanced treatment options to successfully help patients get a better night’s sleep.

The history of sleep apnea continues to expand to this day, as more and more medical fields continue to explore causes, symptoms and treatment options. Through advanced information and technology, dentists continue to expand the area of dental sleep medicine so that patients can continue to get advanced treatment without the need for CPAP.

To learn more about sleep apnea and its history, contact Craniofacial Pain & Dental Sleep Center of Georgia. We are available to educate our patients on sleep apnea and available treatment options so you can get a better night’s sleep.