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The beginnings of the diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea in Germany date back to the 1960s. Given the high prevalence of the disease and the small number of centers with a sleep laboratory, portable monitoring devices were developed early and used in a stepwise manner for diagnosis. The article describes the development of biosensors and recording technology to today's comfortable polysomnographic devices. Originally, the only relevant treatment options were weight loss or tracheostomy. With the introduction of constant positive pressure breathing (CPAP), the frequency of diagnosis and treatment increased significantly. Initially patient care was performed with simple equipment and technology. Because the risk profile of the disease was not well known by patients and doctors, broad dissemination of knowledge by public education, conferences, and workshops was organized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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