Obstructive sleep apnea is a widely prevalent chronic disease that raises long-term cardiovascular, metabolic, and health risk. This session will examine the question of whether treating sleep apnea in adults can prevent later health problems.

We will review:

• the biologic rationale for intervention

• evidence for prevention of major health events with a focus on cardiovascular disease and events

• emerging evidence that supports risk stratification in a personalized treatment approach

The session will conclude with practical counseling points and key research gaps to explore in future studies.

Sleep disorders frequently coexist, and persistent symptoms may reflect a comorbid condition rather than failure of treatment for the initially identified disorder. This session will provide a practical framework for recognizing and managing three common clinical challenges: insomnia, central sleep apnea, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Faculty will emphasize how to identify these conditions in patients already undergoing evaluation or treatment for sleep-disordered breathing, distinguish overlapping symptoms, and select appropriate next diagnostic and therapeutic steps.

At the conclusion of the session, participants should be able to:

1. Recognize clinical features suggesting comorbid insomnia, central sleep apnea, or excessive daytime sleepiness.

2. Differentiate persistent symptoms related to inadequately treated primary sleep disorders from those caused by a separate comorbid condition.

3. Describe appropriate diagnostic and treatment strategies for insomnia, central sleep apnea, and residual excessive daytime sleepiness.