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Published: 30 November 2012

Authors: Best Practice Advocacy Centre New Zealand.

Obstructive sleep apnoea is reported to affect 4% of adult males and 2% of adult females. In New Zealand, it is twice as common in Māori adults males compared to non-Māori. Moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea is associated with a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. People with mild symptoms and an absence of risk factors can often be managed with lifestyle interventions. However, people with more significant symptoms, such as excessive daytime sleepiness, will usually require treatment with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device.