Impact Of Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure On Excessive Daytime Sleepiness In Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients

Purpose: To study the impact of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) on excessive daytime sleepiness in obstructive sleep apnea patients (OSA). Method: Patient’s data were collected through direct patient interview and polysomnographic reports. Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) was assessed by using Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) at baseline and after six months of nCPAP treatment. Results: This prospective study was conducted from August 2008 to June 2012. A total of 141patients were diagnosed as OSA based on Apnea Hypopnea Index. The study group (n=141) was further categorized based on AHI as Mild, Moderate and Severe. AHI 17.71% (31) had mild OSA (AHI 5-14.9), 33.14% (24) had moderate (AHI 15-29.9 Events/hour)and 49.14% (86) were found to have severe OSA (AHI≥30). Evaluation of demographic data revealed that among the 141 patients, 121 were male (85.81%) and 20 were female (14.48%) and the mean age was 51.82±11.77 years. The mean ESS Score for mild OSA, moderate OSA, and severe obstructive sleep apnea groups were 8.13±1.78, 13.45±3.14, 15.48±5.22 respectively. The ESS score was significantly higher in severe obstructive sleep apnea patients as compared to mild and moderate OSA. ESS scores at baseline were 12.48±3.12 and after nCPAP treatment were 6.42±2.92. Significantly improved after 6 months of nCPAP treatment. Conclusion: Nasal CPAP reduces daytime sleepiness, resulting in an increased daytime activity. Subjective sleepiness was also (Excessive daytime sleepiness) significantly improved after 6 months of nCPAP treatment.