Craniofacial morphologies, malocclusions and sedative medications - risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) represents a major health problem associated with serious long-term consequences, affecting 2-5% of men and 2% of women from the general population. The most important risk-factors that lead to this condition are obesity, age, male sex, craniofacial abnormalities, malocclusions, personal habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption, the use of sedative medications, endocrine disorders. The purpose of this literature review is to evaluate the relationship between craniofacial morphologies, malloclussions and the use of sedative madication and the development of obstructive sleep apnea.