The Correlation Between Sleep Efficiency and the Risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

• Published in: The Internet journal of allied health sciences and practice 2014
• Main Author: Homoud, Mazen
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1540-580X; 1540-580X
• DOI: 10.46743/1540-580X/2014.1473

Purpose: The purpose of this correlation research was to identify the relationship between Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and sleep efficiency. Subjects: A total of six men and twelve women (N=18) form the College of Health Professions fulfilled the requirements for inclusion in this study. Method: This research integrated two investigation methods. 1) STOP-BANG questionnaire was completed by students and faculty from the College of Health Professions at Texas State University. Then, 2) each participant wore an Actigraphy watch for seven days. The result of the STOP-BANG questionnaire was compared to the result of the Actigraphy in regard to low or high risk of OSA and the normal or below normal sleep efficiency. Results: There was no significant relationship between the risk of having OSA according to STOP-BANG and sleep efficiency measured by Actigraphy watch in undiagnosed individuals (r =.240, p =.337). However, there was a positive, significant relationship between age and sleep efficiency. Conclusion and Recommendations: In order to improve the external validity, more participants need to be included in future research. Moreover, the use of medication that could affect sleep and alcohol consumption need to addressed. A full night sleep study in a sleep lab adds a standard for comparison. Finally, using other questionnaires or advanced forms of Actigraphy technology could provide better results.