The interaction between hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea on subjective daytime sleepiness

Hypertension is one of the most common chronic cardiovascular diseases in adults while obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep apnea. It was recently reported that the mean Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score, measuring subjective daytime sleepiness, was significantly higher in non‐hypertensive subjects than the hypertensive counterparts with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. In the current study, the authors investigated the interaction between hypertension and OSA on daytime sleepiness among 280 subjects recruited from a sleep study. OSA was evaluated with the Apnea‐Hypopnea Index (AHI), and daytime sleepiness was measured with the ESS. Significantly higher mean ESS scores were found for subjects without than those with hypertension (11.3 vs 9.4, P = 0.003) but only a marginally significant difference was discerned for the ESS scores between subjects with AHI ≥15/h and AHI <15/h (P = 0.075). A significant interaction between hypertension and OSA status on daytime sleepiness was observed from the analysis of variance (P = 0.02). The adjusted mean ESS score for the group of normotensive subjects with moderate to severe OSA (13.11) was significantly higher than the other three groups, namely, normotensive subjects with mild OSA (9.35), hypertensive subjects with mild OSA (9.70), and hypertensive subjects with moderate to severe OSA to (9.43). In conclusion, subjective daytime sleepiness of normotensive subjects with moderate to severe OSA was significantly more severe than other subjects.     

Sleep-disordered breathing and quality of life of railway drivers in Greece

BACKGROUND: Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and especially obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are associated with daytime sleepiness and an increased risk for motor vehicle crashes. Previous studies have assessed the prevalence of OSA among professional drivers, but no study so far has focused on railway drivers. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of SDB among Greek railway drivers, and correlate it with daytime sleepiness, quality of life, and symptoms. METHODS: The following three different questionnaires were anonymously answered by 226 train drivers: a general questionnaire on their demographics and sleep habits; the Greek version of the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS); and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item short form (SF-36). Of the 226 drivers, 50 underwent a sleep study, a physical examination, and an assessment of their respiratory function. RESULTS: Participants were all men, had a mean (+/-SD) age of 46.9+/-3.9 years, were overweight (mean body mass index [BMI], 28.7+/-3.7 kg/m2), and were smokers (59.7%). Snoring was reported by 69.9% of them, and apneas by 11.5%. The mean ESS score was 5.4+/-3.2. SF-36 scores were similar to those of the Greek population. The mean apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was 11+/-14 events per hour, and the mean pulse oximetric saturation was 93.2+/-2.5%. According to AHI severity, they were divided into the following three groups: group 1, normal breathing function in sleep (n=19; AHI, <5 events per hour); group 2, mild OSA (n=20; AHI, 5.1 to 15 events per hour); group 3, moderate/severe OSA (n=11; AHI, >15 events per hour). The three groups differed in terms of BMI, and neck, waist, and hip circumferences. No difference was detected, though, in ESS and SF-36 scores. CONCLUSION: The majority of the Greek railway drivers are overweight and smokers. The most common reported symptom in the questionnaires is snoring, without significant daytime impairment, while sleep studies show a potentially higher prevalence of OSA. Trial registration: Democritus University of Thrace Identifier: 2979/5-2003. Trial registration: Union of the Greek Railway Drivers Identifier: 536/10-2003.     

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common disorder in the population—a review on the epidemiology of sleep apnea

The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) defined at an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥5 was a mean of 22% (range, 9-37%) in men and 17% (range, 4-50%) in women in eleven published epidemiological studies published between 1993 and 2013. OSA with excessive daytime sleepiness occurred in 6% (range, 3-18%) of men and in 4% (range, 1-17%) of women. The prevalence increased with time and OSA was reported in 37% of men and in 50% of women in studies from 2008 and 2013 respectively. OSA is more prevalent in men than in women and increases with age and obesity. Smoking and alcohol consumption are also suggested as risk factors, but the results are conflicting. Excessive daytime sleepiness is suggested as the most important symptom of OSA, but only a fraction of subjects with AHI >5 report daytime sleepiness and one study did not find any relationship between daytime sleepiness and sleep apnea in women. Stroke and hypertension and coronary artery disease are associated with sleep apnea. Cross-sectional studies indicate an association between OSA and diabetes mellitus. Patients younger than 70 years run an increased risk of early death if they suffer from OSA. It is concluded that OSA is highly prevalent in the population. It is related to age and obesity. Only a part of subjects with OSA in the population have symptoms of daytime sleepiness. The prevalence of OSA has increased in epidemiological studies over time. Differences and the increase in prevalence of sleep apnea are probably due to different diagnostic equipment, definitions, study design and characteristics of included subjects including effects of the obesity epidemic. Cardiovascular disease, especially stroke is related to OSA, and subjects under the age of 70 run an increased risk of early death if they suffer from OSA.     

老年心血管疾病患者阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停综合征的评价

目的 评价老年心血管疾病患者阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停综合征(OSAS)的患病情况和特点,为临床决策提供参考. 方法 采用便携式睡眠监测仪对入住在老年心内科的患者,进行睡眠呼吸监测,了解其阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停(OSA)的患病情况. 结果 共监测了317例老年心血管疾病患者的夜间睡眠呼吸紊乱情况,得出符合OSA[睡眠呼吸紊乱指数(AHI)≥5]的有281例,占88.6%;符合阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停综合征(OSAS)[AHI≥5,Epworth量表(ESS)≥9分]的有47例,占14.8%.多元回归分析结果 提示,以OSA严重程度作为因变量,对它影响有显著性意义的是最低血氧饱和度和血氧饱和度下降指数(简称氧减指数),而年龄、习惯性打鼾、嗜睡评分、体质指数(BMI)、血氧饱和度平均值和低于90%的时间对其影响无显著性意义. 结论 老年心血管疾病患者中OSAS具有高的患病率,而且无白天嗜睡症状的OSA的老年人患病率更高.对睡眠呼吸暂停严重程度的独立预测因子是最低血氧饱和度氧减指数,而老年人的年龄、BMI、是否经常打鼾、是否白天嗜睡与OSA的严重程度关系不密切.     

Subjective sleepiness and daytime functioning in bariatric patients with obstructive sleep apnea

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate associations between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity and self-reported sleepiness and daytime functioning in patients considering bariatric surgery for treatment of obesity.

Methods

Using a retrospective cohort design, we identified 342 patients who had sleep evaluations prior to bariatric surgery. Our final sample included 269 patients (78.6 % of the original cohort, 239 females; mean age?=?42.0?±?9.5 years; body mass index?=?50.2?±?7.7 kg/m²) who had overnight polysomnography and completed the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and the Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire (FOSQ). Patients' OSA was classified as none/mild (apnea–hypopnea index (AHI)?<?15, n?=?112), moderate (15?≤?AHI?<?30, n?=?77), or severe (AHI?≥?30, n?=?80). We calculated the proportion of unique variance (PUV) for the five FOSQ subscales. ANOVA was used to determine if ESS and FOSQ were associated with OSA severity. Unpaired t tests compared ESS and FOSQ scores in our sample with published data.

Results

The average AHI was 29.5?±?31.5 events per hour (range?=?0–175.8). The mean ESS score was 6.3?±?4.8, and the mean global FOSQ score was 100.3?±?18.2. PUVs for FOSQ subscales showed moderate-to-high unique contributions to FOSQ variance. ESS and global FOSQ score did not differ by AHI group. Only the FOSQ vigilance subscale differed by OSA severity with the severe group reporting more impairment than the moderate and none/mild groups. Our sample reported less sleepiness and daytime impairment than previously reported means in patients and controls.

Conclusions

Subjective sleepiness and functional impairment were not associated significantly with OSA severity in our sample of patients considering surgery for obesity. Further research is needed to understand individual differences in sleepiness in patients with OSA. If bariatric patients underreport symptoms, self-report measures are not an adequate substitute for objective assessment and clinical judgment when evaluating bariatric patients for OSA. Patients with severe obesity need evaluation for OSA even in the absence of subjective complaints.     

Insomnia subtypes and their relationships to daytime sleepiness in patients with obstructive sleep apnea

BACKGROUND: Insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) are the two most common sleep disorders. Studies showed that insomnia complaints were prevalent in OSA. Relatively little is known about the causes of insomnia in OSA and whether etiological factors differ for insomnia subtypes. We hypothesized that sleep onset problem was mainly due to hyperarousal and sleep maintenance difficulty was primarily related to sleep-disordered breathing. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of insomnia subtypes in OSA, compare subjects with sleep onset insomnia, sleep maintenance insomnia and no insomnia symptom, and study the relationship of insomnia subtypes to daytime sleepiness. METHODS: We analyzed intake questionnaires and polysomnography and Multiple Sleep Latency Test results of 157 OSA patients. RESULTS: Forty-two percent of the sample had at least one problematic insomnia symptom. The prevalence of sleep onset insomnia, sleep maintenance insomnia and insomnia with early awakening was 6, 26 and 19%, respectively. Patients with sleep onset insomnia had significantly lower apnea-hypopnea (AHI) and arousal indices. There were significant inverse relationships between sleep onset insomnia and measures of daytime sleepiness. On the contrary, subjects with repeated wakening had more severe subjective sleepiness. Results were similar in patients with AHI >or=5 or >or=15. CONCLUSIONS: Insomnia symptoms were common in OSA patients. Insomnia subtypes related differently to measures of daytime sleepiness. Our findings suggest that OSA patients with sleep onset insomnia may be in a state of hyperarousal. It is clinically relevant to examine insomnia subtypes, which may influence the treatment decision in sleep-disordered breathing.     

Sleep Apnea Syndrome in a Referral Population in Greece: Influence of Social Factors

Objective The aim of this work was to study whether social factors are risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A second objective was to investigate gender differences in relation to referral to a sleep laboratory for sleep-related breathing symptoms. Study Design A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the referral sleep disorders laboratory in the tertiary University Hospital in Patras in southwest Greece. A sample of 362 subjects originated from this geographic region was screened for social characteristics, i.e., marital status, occupation, and education. Results The apnea hypopnea index (AHI) was approximately three times as high in men as in women (p < 0.05). Snoring was reported to be a symptom by 76.6% of males and 75% of females. Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) was reported by 25.5% of males and 15% of females. Arousals during sleep were reported by 5.7% of men and 10% of women. The ratio of subjects with concomitant disorders or symptoms did not differ between sexes (p > 0.05). The influence of age, body mass index (BMI), gender, smoking, and social characteristics on AHI was examined by multinomial logistic regression. The following factors remained independent risk factors for the presence of moderate to severe OSA (i.e., AHI > 15/h compared with AHI < 5): (1) Gender: the odds ratio (OR) of males to females was 6.23 (CI = 1.89–20.5). (2) Obesity: the OR of subjects with BMI >30.5 kg/m² in comparison to those with lower BMI was 3.83 (CI = 1.86–7.86). (3) Marital status: The OR of married subjects to singles was 2.30 (CI = 1.01–5.32). (4) Occupational status: The OR of subjects outside the work force was 3.85 (CI = 1.16–12.74) and that of the self-employed was 1.70 (CI = 0.70–4.10) compared to a reference group of clerks/employees. Conclusion In our study factors associated with the presence of sleep apnea include gender (men), obesity, marriage, and self-employment or being outside the work force.     

Obstructive sleep apnea in older adults

The "typical" presentation of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is chronic loud snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness in middle-aged obese men. OSA can result in increased risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The diagnostic features of OSA in older adults are similar to those in younger adults; however, the older adult may be less likely to seek medical attention or have the sleep disorder recognized because symptoms of snoring, sleepiness, fatigue, nocturia, unintentional napping, and cognitive dysfunction may be ascribed to the aging process itself or to other disorders. This article reviews the basic terminology and pathophysiology of sleep-disordered breathing, discusses why OSA may be even more prevalent in older adults than in the middle-aged group, and reviews similarities and differences between the two groups in the manifestations, consequences, and treatments of OSA.     

Correlation of daytime sleepiness with urine metabolites in patients with obstructive sleep apnea

Purpose

The apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) is closely related with the severity of daytime sleepiness, but excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is not presented on all patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It is unclear why daytime sleepiness is not always present in OSA patients even if their sleep is disrupted from the perspective of polysomnographic findings. This study aimed to analyze the correlation between sleepiness and urine metabolites of neurotransmitters involved in the arousal system.

Methods

On the basis of AHI in polysomnography, 49 consecutive OSA patients were included. According to their Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), 23 non-sleepy patients (ESS <11) and 26 sleepy patients (ESS ≥11) were included. Urine samples were collected before and after polysomnography and analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry with selective ion monitoring. Six metabolites of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin were analyzed.

Results

The dopamine metabolites, homovanillic acid (r?=?0.366, P?=?0.017) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC; r?=?0.584, P?P?=?0.032).

Conclusion

Urine dopamine metabolites may identify sleepy patients with OSA. In particular, the overnight change of urine DOPAC may indicate OSA patients with EDS.     

Prevalence of high Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores in a rural population

BACKGROUND:

Increased daytime sleepiness is an important symptom of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is frequently underdiagnosed, and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) can be a useful tool in alerting physicians to a potential problem involving OSA.

OBJECTIVE:

To measure the prevalence and determinants of daytime sleepiness measured using the ESS in a rural community population.

METHODS:

A community survey was conducted to examine the risk factors associated with ESS in a rural population in 154 households comprising 283 adults. Questionnaire information was obtained regarding physical factors, social factors, general medical history, family medical history, ESS score, and self-reported height and weight. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis based on the generalized estimating equations approach to account for clustering within households was used to predict the relationship between a binary ESS score outcome (normal or abnormal) and a set of explanatory variables.

RESULTS:

The population included 140 men (49.5%) and 143 women (50.5%) with an age range of 18 to 97 years (mean [± SD] 52.0±14.9 years). The data showed that 79.2% of the study participants had an ESS score in the normal range (0 to 10) and 20.8% had an ESS score >10, which is considered to be abnormal or high sleepiness. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that obesity was significantly associated with an abnormal or high sleepiness score on the ESS (OR 3.40 [95% CI 1.31 to 8.80).

CONCLUSION:

High levels of sleepiness in this population were common. Obesity was an important risk factor for high ESS score.     

Sleep-disordered breathing and nocturia in older adults

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and nocturia episodes in community-dwelling older adults. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. SETTING: Community. PARTICIPANTS: Community-dwelling older adults (N=72) recruited from independent living facilities and adult learning centers in Atlanta, Georgia. MEASUREMENTS: Three-day voiding diary, ambulatory sleep recording, focused physical examination, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and Geriatric Depression Scale. RESULTS: Fifty-eight of the 72 subjects completed the study. The mean age+/-standard deviation was 77.7+/-6.7; 44 (76%) were female. Of the 58 subjects, 26 (45%) had an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of less than 10 per hour of sleep, 21 (36%) had an AHI between 10 and 24 per hour sleep, and 11 (19%) had an AHI of 25 or higher per hour of sleep. The mean nocturia episodes were 1.7+/-1.1, 1.6+/-0.9, and 2.6+/-1.4 for subjects in these groups, respectively (F=3.82; P=.028). Those with an AHI of 25 or higher had more nocturia episodes, higher mean arterial blood pressure, and higher body mass index than those with a lower AHI. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that older adults with severe SDB have a greater number of nocturia episodes. These findings underscore the importance of considering SDB as a differential diagnosis in the evaluation of older patients with nocturia.     

The impact of cardiac resynchronization therapy on obstructive sleep apnea in heart failure patients: a pilot study

BACKGROUND: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has been shown to improve cardiac function and reduce Cheyne-Stokes respiration but has not been evaluated in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In this pilot study, we investigated the impact of both CRT and CRT plus increased rate pacing in heart failure (ie, congestive heart failure [CHF]) patients with OSA. We hypothesized that through increased cardiac output CRT/pacing would reduce obstructive events and daytime symptoms of sleepiness. METHODS: Full polysomnograms were performed on CHF patients who were scheduled for CRT, and those patients with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of > 5 events per hour were approached about study enrollment. Patients had a pre-CRT implant baseline echocardiogram and an echocardiogram a mean (+/- SEM) duration of 6.6 +/- 1.4 months post-CRT implant; polysomnography; and responded to the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure questionnaire, the Epworth sleepiness scale, and the Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire. An additional third polysomnography was performed combining CRT with a pacing rate of 15 beats/min above the baseline sleeping heart rate within 1 week of the second polysomnography. Assessments for the change in cardiac output during the polysomnography were performed using circulation time to pulse oximeter as a surrogate. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients were screened, and 13 patients (mean age, 68.6 years; body mass index, 28.7 kg/m(2)) had evidence of OSA. The mean AHI decreased from 40.9 +/- 6.4 to 29.5 +/- 5.9 events per hour with CRT (p = 0.04). The mean baseline ejection fraction was 22 +/- 1.7% and increased post-CRT to 33.6 +/- 2.0% (p < 0.05). The reduction in AHI with CRT closely correlated with a decrease in circulation time (r = 0.89; p < 0.001) with CRT. Increased rate pacing made no additional impact on the AHI or circulation time. CRT had a limited impact on sleep architecture or daytime symptom scores. CONCLUSIONS: CRT improved cardiac function and reduced the AHI. Reduced circulatory delay likely stabilized ventilatory control systems and may represent a new therapeutic target in OSA.     

Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Sleepy Pediatric Psychiatry Clinic Patients: Polysomnographic and Clinical Correlates

Study Objectives: To assess the incidence of polysomnographically defined obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in pediatric psychiatric clinic patients reporting daytime sleepiness on questionnaire, and to identify diagnostic correlates for OSA in this grouping. Design: Prospective and observational. Setting: Outpatient pediatric psychiatry clinic, outpatient sleep medicine clinic, AASM-accredited hospital-based sleep laboratory. Subjects: Children aged 3 to 16 years, reporting daytime sleepiness on questionnaire (N= 74); exclusions: adenotonsillectomy and trisomy 21. Interventions: Parents and children completed a questionnaire designed and validated for identifying pediatric patients with OSA at the pediatric psychiatry clinic. Patients with at least one positive response as to daytime sleepiness (N= 74) were referred for a history and physical by a board-certified sleep medicine physician before in-hospital polysomnography utilizing a routine apnea montage with parent or legal guardian sleeping in room. Results: Mean apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) for this pediatric psychiatry clinic grouping was 5.5. Of these patients, 39.2% had an AHI > 5.0. Mean AHI for patients with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) was 7.1; without AD/HD it was 4.5 (p< 0.05). Mean AHI for patients with tonsillar hypertrophy was 6.5 compared with 4.4 for those without tonsillar hypertrophy (p< 0.05). Conclusion: In a clinical grouping of pediatric psychiatry patients reporting daytime sleepiness by questionnaire, polysomnographically defined OSA is common. Both AD/HD as diagnosed using DSM-IV criteria and tonsillar hypertrophy based on clinical exam by a sleep medicine physician are diagnostic correlates for polysomnographically defined OSA in this pediatric psychiatry clinic grouping of patients.     

Modafinil as adjunct therapy for daytime sleepiness in obstructive sleep apnea: a 12-week, open-label study

STUDY OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this 12-week study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adjunct modafinil to treat excessive sleepiness in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who experience residual sleepiness despite regular nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) use. DESIGN: Twelve-week, open-label trial. SETTING: Twenty-two centers in the United States. PATIENTS: We studied 125 patients with moderate-to-severe OSA (ie, respiratory disturbance index > or =15) before nCPAP therapy and residual daytime sleepiness (Epworth sleepiness scale [ESS] score > or =10) despite effective and regular nCPAP therapy. Patients were studied after completing a 4-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of nCPAP plus modafinil for the treatment of residual daytime sleepiness. Interventions and measurements: Patients received individually titrated doses of modafinil (200 to 400 mg qd). Sleepiness was assessed using the ESS, quality of life was evaluated using the Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire (FOSQ), and the overall clinical effect was indexed using the clinical global impression of change scale. Adverse events, nCPAP use, and vital sign measurements were also recorded. RESULTS: The significant improvements in daytime wakefulness and sleep-related functional status observed with modafinil treatment during the 4-week, double-blind study were maintained throughout 12 weeks of open-label treatment: week 12 ESS, 7.8 (4.7) vs 14.4 (3.1) at double-blind baseline; week 12 FOSQ, 3.3 (0.6) vs 14.4 (2.7) at double-blind baseline (mean [SD]). The percentage of patients rated as clinically improved increased from 83% after 1 week to > or =93% after 2 to 12 weeks of open-label treatment. Mean (SD) nCPAP use decreased from 6.3 (1.3) h/night at baseline to 5.9 (1.4) h/night (p = 0.004) during open-label treatment. The most common adverse events were headache (28%), anxiety (16%), and nervousness (14%). CONCLUSIONS: Modafinil remained effective and well tolerated as an adjunct therapy for residual daytime sleepiness even after 12 weeks of daily dosing in patients with OSA receiving nCPAP therapy.     

A randomized trial of laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty in the treatment of mild obstructive sleep apnea

Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) is an outpatient surgical treatment for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), but to date, no controlled trials have been published. Forty-five subjects with mild OSA (apnea/hypopnea index [AHI], 10-27 per hour) were randomized to LAUP or to no treatment (control group). The AHI post-LAUP was reduced by 21% overall and to 10 or less per hour in 5 of 21 subjects (24%). Four of 24 subjects in the control group (16.7%) had an AHI of 10 or less per hour at outcome. The AHI decreased with the LAUP compared with no change with the control group at outcome. Ten subjects (48%) reported significantly improved snoring after the LAUP. There was no improvement in excessive daytime sleepiness, but there was a small improvement in quality of life (unless side effects were included in the quality of life score). Side effects were common, but serious complications did not occur. LAUP surgery is effective in some subjects with mild OSA for the treatment of snoring, but the reduction in AHI and the level of symptomatic improvement were minor overall.     

Functional outcomes of excessive daytime sleepiness in older adults

OBJECTIVES: To describe the effect of self-reported excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) on functional outcomes. DESIGN: Case-control study designed to examine differences in functional status between cases (with daytime sleepiness) and controls (no daytime sleepiness) with regard to demographic factors, general health, sleep history, and medications. SETTING: Retirement communities in southeastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey. PARTICIPANTS: Seventy-six nondepressed, nondemented adults, aged 65 and older, were cases (had daytime sleepiness) and 38 were controls (had no daytime sleepiness). MEASUREMENTS: Standardized questionnaires to assess disease-specific functional status (Functional Outcomes of Sleepiness Questionnaire (FOSQ) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS)), depression (Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale), dementia (Short Blessed Test), demographic factors, current medical history, and sleep complaints. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in functional status between sleepy cases and nonsleepy controls. Sleepiness had a moderate to large negative effect (effect size range from 0.59 to 0.83, P <.005) on the following functional domains of the FOSQ: social outcome, general productivity, vigilance, activity level, and global assessment of functional status. Correlation between ESS and FOSQ subscales were -0.31 to -0.67, P <.05. Examination of cases with daytime sleepiness revealed increased functional impairment in individuals with more than three medical conditions or those taking more than four medications (P <.001 and P =.03, respectively). CONCLUSION: Daytime sleepiness is associated with functional impairments in a broad range of activities. The decrease in daily functioning noted in the sleepy subjects has implications for deconditioning and related comorbidity. These findings suggest that exploration of daytime sleepiness should be part of the ongoing assessment of the elderly, particularly those with multiple medical conditions.     

Excessive daytime sleepiness among rural residents in Saskatchewan

BACKGROUND:

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common diagnosis in clinical practice. Excessive daytime sleepiness may be a warning for possible OSA.

OBJECTIVES:

To assess the prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness as measured by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) in a rural community population; potential risk factors for OSA were also assessed.

METHODS:

In 2010, a baseline respiratory health questionnaire within the Saskatchewan Rural Health Study was mailed to 11,982 households in Saskatchewan. A total of 7597 adults within the 4624 (42%) respondent households completed the ESS questionnaire. Participants were categorized according to normal or high (>10) ESS scores. Data obtained included respiratory symptoms, doctor-diagnosed sleep apnea, snoring, hypertension, smoking and demographics. Body mass index was calculated. Multivariable logistic regression analysis examined associations between high ESS scores and possible risk factors. Generalized estimating equations accounted for the two-tiered sampling procedure of the study design.

RESULTS:

The mean age of respondents was 55.0 years and 49.2% were male. The prevalence of ESS>10 and ‘doctor diagnosed’ OSA were 15.9% and 6.0%, respectively. Approximately 23% of respondents reported loud snoring and 30% had a body mass index >30 kg/m². Of those with ‘doctor-diagnosed’ OSA, 37.7% reported ESS>10 (P<0.0001) and 47.7% reported loud snoring (P<0.0001). Risk of having an ESS>10 score increased with age, male sex, obesity, lower socioeconomic status, marriage, loud snoring and doctor-diagnosed sinus trouble.

CONCLUSIONS:

High levels of excessive daytime sleepiness in this particular rural population are common and men >55 years of age are at highest risk. Examination of reasons for residual sleepiness and snoring in persons with and without sleep apnea is warranted.     

睡眠呼吸暂停综合征患者持续气道正压通气治疗前后微觉醒的变化及意义

目的探讨微觉醒的发生机制、临床意义及其在睡眠呼吸障碍性疾患诊断治疗中的应用价值。方法270例打鼾者均按国际标准方法进行多导睡眠呼吸监测（PSG）,据此计算睡眠呼吸暂停低通气指数(AHI)、睡眠潜伏期(SL)、每小时氧减饱和度4%以上的次数(ODI4)及每小时微觉醒的次数(MAI)。其中28例患者应用持续气道正压通气(CPAP)同时复查PSG,在治疗前后均填写Epworth睡眠问卷(ESS)以评价患者嗜睡的改善程度。结果270例鼾症患者中,247例符合睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征(SAHS)的诊断,其AHI、ODI4、MAI及SL平均值分别为(43±27)次/h,(44±23)次/h,(29±16)次/h,(12±17)分。AHI与MAI,ODI4与MAI均呈正相关(r均为0.38,P均<0.001)。MAI与SL显著负相关(r=-0.15,P=0.02),AHI与SL、ODI4与SL均无相关性(r分别为-0.09,-0.02,P均>0.1)。经CPAP治疗,28例患者的呼吸暂停基本消失,ODI4由(48±25)次/h降至(4±9)次/h,MAI由(27±18)次/h减至(15±9)次/h,主观(ESS)及客观(SL)评价均显示白天嗜睡改善。结论应用专门的计算机软件辅助分析SAHS患者睡眠状态下的脑电变化,可以判读最短持续时间达3秒的微觉醒。MAI可以作为白天嗜睡的重要指标,在SAHS诊断和CPAP疗效判断方面与AHI具有互补性。     

睡眠呼吸暂停综合征患者白天嗜睡与脑血管疾病发生的关系

目的探讨睡眠呼吸暂停综合征（SAS）患者白天嗜睡是否与脑血管疾病的发生有关。方法对36例SAS合并短暂性脑缺血发作（合并TIA组），40例SAS合并高血压（合并高血压组）和42例无合并症的SAS（单纯SAS组）患者进行多导睡眠监测，采用Epworth嗜睡评估表（ESS）对其白天嗜睡程度进行测评，同时行全血黏度和红细胞压积测定。结果与单纯SAS组相比，合并TIA组和合并高血压组体质量指数（BMI）、颈围、腰臀比（WHR）、ESS、呼吸暂停低通气指数（AHI）、微觉醒指数（MAI）明显升高（P均〈0．05），合并TIA组与合并高血压组之间ESS、MAI差异无显著性；AHI、最长呼吸暂停时间，合并TIA组明显大于合并高血压组及单纯SAS组（P均〈0．05），全血黏度和红细胞压积，合并TIA组、合并高血压组明显高于单纯SAS组（P均〈0．05）。结论SAS患者白天嗜睡对脑血管疾病发生有预测意义。     

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, sleepiness, and quality of life

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the addition of short arousals of > 3 s on indexes of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and subjective sleepiness in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and to evaluate the quality of life and reported difficulty driving with arousal index and indexes of SDB. METHOD: Data was collected from a general clinical evaluation, and evaluations using the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), the sleep disorders questionnaire, the Beck depression inventory (BDI), the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item short form health survey (SF-36), a questionnaire on driving difficulties and accidents, and polysomnography. RESULTS: A total of 135 male subjects (mean [+/- SD] age, 52 +/- 12.1 years; mean body mass index [BMI], 27.8 +/- 5.6 kg/m(2); mean apnea-hypopnea index [AHI], 48.7 +/- 26.8 events per hour) were studied. Of these subjects, 70.4% acknowledged having driven while sleepy. ESS scores correlated significantly with the arousal index and AHI, and negatively with the lowest arterial oxygen saturation. The "physical functioning," "general health," and "role physical" subscales of the SF-36 correlated with the arousal index. No significant correlation was seen in multiple regression analyses after adjusting for age and BMI, using "reports of sleepiness while driving" as the dependent variable. CONCLUSION: Several subjective complaints and subscales of the SF-36 correlated significantly with a frequency of SDB-related arousal of > 3 s. Patients perceived that an organic health problem had been impairing their quality of life more than an emotional problem, despite elevated scores on the BDI. However, if sleepiness while driving was common in OSA patients, it was not significant. Many clinical and polysomnographic variables may be considered as possible independent variables in the regression analysis. Other unrelated factors have a greater impact. To relate sleepiness while driving only to the usually studied variables in OSA patients is an oversimplification.