This is a popular science introduction to sleep apnea and CPAP machines, which might also help with some sales. Today, let’s take a look at a brief history of sleep apnea!
We often talk about snoring and sleep apnea—but when exactly was this condition discovered and officially named?
Daytime Sleepiness Has Been Around for a Long Time!
First of all, sleep apnea is not a disease that only appeared in modern society. In fact, historical records and literature show that sleep apnea has existed for over 2,000 years. However, due to the limitations in understanding and scientific tools at the time, people didn't recognize it clearly.
19th Century: The "Pickwickian Syndrome"
In the 19th century, European doctors used the term “Pickwickian Syndrome” to describe the symptoms of sleep apnea—though this was not entirely accurate. The term "Pickwickian" comes from a character named Joe in Charles Dickens’ novel The Pickwick Papers. Joe was an overweight character who was often sleepy during the day. At the time, people believed obesity was the main problem. In reality, while obesity is a contributing factor to sleep apnea—because extra weight around the neck increases pressure on throat tissues when lying down, thus narrowing the airway—it’s not the only cause. Other causes include:
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Eating or drinking too much before bed, leading to excessive relaxation of throat and neck muscles
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Nasal or throat obstructions, including nasal polyps or regular nasal congestion
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Loose throat and mouth structures, like a soft uvula or soft palate
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Facial or jaw structure that results in a narrowed airway
1950s–60s: Research Gathers Momentum
Research on sleep apnea increased during the 1950s and 60s. New findings helped researchers realize that the core issue with sleep apnea was abnormal breathing during sleep, not just a series of related symptoms. In 1965, the term “sleep apnea” first appeared in medical literature. Serious investigation into the “what,” “why,” and “how” of sleep apnea really took off in the 1970s. Initially, researchers studied dogs' sleep and breathing patterns and even used tracheotomies as a treatment method. This was also the primary treatment method for humans at the time. It may sound strange today, but at that point, it was the only way researchers knew to bypass throat blockages and ensure airflow.
Colin Sullivan and the Invention of CPAP
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, researcher Colin Sullivan developed a custom mask that helped dogs—and later humans—breathe during sleep. The mask delivered positive air pressure, forming the early version of what we now call Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). The results were excellent—all five initial human subjects were able to maintain open airways during sleep. Sullivan hoped to make this treatment widely available. Though it wasn't immediately accepted, over the years CPAP has become the first-line treatment for many sleep apnea patients.
Conclusion
Sleep apnea has existed for thousands of years, but it's only in the past few decades that we've truly understood it. The term "sleep apnea" wasn’t formally introduced until 1965. Scientific progress is a gradual process that requires countless passionate truth-seekers to keep pushing forward. Here, we also pay tribute to the pioneers who discovered and studied sleep apnea—those who worked to solve problems and uncover the truth.
