The Sociology of Sleep Apnea

Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) affects the quality of life due to the effects on patients’ physical and mental functions. The quality of life in sleep apnea patients may improve by treating the sleep disorder with the continuous airway positive pressure (CPAP) machine. The purpose of this qualitative study was to better understand the life experiences of individuals who have been medically diagnosed with sleep apnea. This study focuses on patients’ personal lives in dealing with OSA and how they are able to function in society and what their quality of life is both before and after treatment, by utilizing in-depth interviews and field research.