Sleep Apnea in Caucasian and Asian Climacteric Women

Abstract

The aim of our study was to define the structure of sleep in Caucasian and Asian peri- and postmenopausal women with sleep apnea. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and forty-seven menopausal women between 45 and 60 years of age participated in this study. The participants were divided into 2 ethnic groups, taking into account the genealogy (the representatives having in two generations of parents of one ethnic group) and self-identification, taking into account phenotype elements. Caucasians were represented by the Russian ethnic group (n=115) and Asians by the Buryat ethnic group (n=132). The study included the collection of anamnestic data, physical examinations, clinical (Berlin questionnaire, general medical examination, gynecological examination, polysomnographic monitoring according to American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommendations), and biochemical laboratory methods. Results: Sleep complaints, such as difficulty falling asleep, frequent night awakenings (more than 2 times), difficulties of morning awakening or problems waking up too early, were increased in perimenopausal Caucasian women. We found ethnic differences in a greater frequency of complaints in Caucasian women, but Asian women also showed a tendency to increased complaints about poor sleep. Polysomnographic monitoring revealed that OSA was more common in Asian postmenopausal women than in Caucasians. However, in structure of sleep we have not seen distinctions. Conclusion: For improving the quality of life, it is necessary not only to pay attention to menopausal problems, but also to solve the sleep problems associated with various strategies, both age management and lifestyle.

Keywords

• climacteric women
• sleep apnea
• Caucasians
• Asians
• sleep structure