Different polysomnographic patterns in military veterans with obstructive sleep apnea in those with and without post-traumatic stress disorder

Abstract

Introduction and objectives

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent disorder among military veterans. The goal of this study is to compare the polysomnographic patterns of OSA in military veterans who have a history of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with those of veterans who have not PTSD.

Materials and methods

Seventy-two Iranian military male veterans were classified into two groups: those with PTSD (40 cases) and those without PTSD (32 cases). Each participant was diagnosed with OSA using an overnight polysomnography, during which sleep-related parameters such as sleep efficiency (SE) and apnea-related events were detected. The body mass index (BMI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) were also assessed.

Results

For the PTSD group, mean age was 53.83 ± 7.3 years, elapsed time since they participated in war was 28.3 ± 3.4 years, apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was 41.2 ± 27, SE was 77.7 ± 17.55%, ESS was 7.93 ± 2.04, BMI was 26.5 ± 5.7, and PLM index was 12.725 ± 8.64. The above respective parameters for the non-PTSD group were 51.33 ± 5.9 years, 28.3 ± 3.4 years, 30.33 ± 14.7, 82.4 ± 15.65%, 10.08 ± 3.02, 31.5 ± 6.7, and 8.8 ± 3.54. The relationships of AHI with ESS and BMI were not significant in PTSD group.

Conclusion

OSA in military veterans suffering from PTSD presents more often with insomnia than obesity or increased daytime sleepiness. These findings are different from those typically seen in non-PTSD veterans with OSA.

from #ORL-AlexandrosSfakianakis via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2E7kaRk