Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2014; 18 - a2519
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1388702

Prevalence and Severity of Daytime Sleepiness in Patients with Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Mariana Raddi 1, Alonço Viana 1, Daniella Leitão 1, Nilce Sanny Behrens 1, Nilma Silva do Nascimento 1, Priscilla Matos 1
  • 1Hospital Naval Marcílio Dias

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is a chronic condition characterized by repetitive obstruction of the upper airway, resulting in sleep disorders. Respiratory disorders during sleep impair the quality of rest, compromising the well-being during the vigil.

Objectives: The study aimed to establish the prevalence and severity of excessive daytime sleepiness in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 57 patients undergoing polysomnography for suspected sleep disorder between the years 2012 and 2013, in Marcilio Dias Navy Hospital. The severity of obstructive sleep apnea was estimated by apnea-hypopnea index—classified as mild, moderate, and severe. The form of assessment of daytime sleepiness was by applying the questionnaire Epworth Sleepiness Scale, the score being lower than 10 normal patterns.

Results: According to the severity of symptoms, 12.3% had mild, 33.3% moderate, and 54.4% had severe disease. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale score was significantly high in the group with severe disease.

Conclusion: The Epworth Sleepiness Scale has a better correlation with severe obstructive sleep apnea.