Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by repetitive collapse or 'obstruction' of the pharyngeal airway during sleep. These obstructions result in repetitive hypopneas/apneas and cause intermittent hypoxia/hypercapnia, as well as surges in sympathetic activity. Such processes disturb normal sleep and impair neurocognitive function, often resulting in excessive daytime sleepiness and decreased quality of life. Furthermore, OSA is associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, making OSA a major health concern. Obesity is categorically the major risk factor for OSA, with available data indicating a prevalence of 40% in obese men (BMI > 30kg/m2) and up to 90% in morbidly obese individuals (BMI > 40kg/m2). Given the prevalence of obesity has risen to epidemic proportions, with approximately 60% of adults considered overweight and 30% obese, it has become one of the world's leading health care concerns and research priorities. Importantly, as the prevalence of obesity continues to rise, so too does the number of individuals developing OSA. Surprisingly, despite the dominant role played by obesity in OSA pathogenesis, the precise mechanisms by which obesity leads to OSA are unclear