[Sleep apnea syndrome].

The occurrence of episodes of obstructive apnoea during sleep is encouraged by a variety of factors: local anatomical abnormalities, degree of activation of the autonomous nervous system, obesity, central nervous system depression from alcohol or drug consumption, deprivation or fragmentation of sleep. Each of these factors can play a predominant role in the development of the syndrome and their demonstration can contribute to our understanding of the success or failure of the different treatments. The authors' therapeutic experience includes mainly healthy living associated with treatment of systemic disorders and use of medroxyprogesterone and protriptyline. These therapeutic measures can be supplemented, if needed, by palatopharyngoplasty with or without temporary tracheostomy.