CPAP effect on Daytime Sleepiness in Patients with Mild-Moderate and Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Background: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment has been consistently shown to have a positive effect on excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), however no studies comparing subgroups of patients with different levels of mild-moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been performed.

Objective: This study evaluated the efficacy of CPAP on quality of sleep by using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) in patients with mild-moderate and severe (OSA). Methods: This before-and-after clinical trial evaluated elderly with OSA. CPAP treatment was performed for five working days. Daytime sleepiness was evaluated by the ESS scale applied immediately before and after intervention.

Results: 62 participants aging from 60 to 63 (61.1 ± 8.1) were studied; 42 (68%) males and 20 (32%) females. OSA was considered mild-moderate in 37 (60%) and severe in 25 (40%) patients. The daytime sleepiness evaluated by ESS decreased in both groups: from 20.23 ± 2.07 to 10.47 ± 0.42 in mild-moderate group and from 20.06 ± 1.66 to 10.24 ± 0.36 in severe after the intervention, both p<0,001.

Conclusion: CPAP treatment for a short period can improve significantly the daytime sleepiness in both mild-moderate and severe OSA patients.