Vitale et al. J Sleep Disord Manag 2016, 2:008 Volume 2 | Issue 1 Journal of Sleep Disorders and Management Review Article: Open Access Sleep Apnea and the Brain: Neurocognitive and Emotional Considerations Gregory John Vitale*, Kimberly Capp, Kimberly Ethridge, Maggie S. Lorenzetti, Mary Jef- frey, John Skicki and Ashley Stripling College of Psychology, Nova Southeastern University, Florida, USA *Corresponding author: Gregory John Vitale, College of Psychology, Nova Southeastern University, 3301 College Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33314, USA, Tel: 9548298479, E-mail:
[email protected] by utilizing a sleep diagnosis tool, called a polysomnography, to rule Abstract out other sleep disturbances and determine an individual’s apnea- Sleep apnea research has become increasingly relevant to the hypopnea index (AHI). The AHI is based on the number of apnea/ field of psychology. Although the physiological sequelae have hypopnea episodes that occur during a one-hour period of sleep been researched extensively, and treatment options are now and is used to indicate severity of the disorder. An AHI above 5 available for those diagnosed, much is left to be done. Specifically, but less than 15 is considered to be in the mild and impacts 3-28% to date, the cognitive and psychological consequences of sleep apnea have received less attention. As such, this paper serves of individuals, while an AHI above 15 is considered moderate and to review the current state of the literature and presents relevant impacts 1-14% of individuals [1]. Cases of 30 or more episodes per neuropsychological and emotional domains. Given that sleep hour are considered severe and are almost always associated with apnea may cause psychological dysfunction over-and-above those intensified sequelae (e.g.