Effect of Sleep Position and Body Mass Index on Severity of Sleep Apnea

Abstract

Objective:To examine the effects of sleep position and body mass index on obstructive events in adults with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).Methods:The sleep studies of 51 adults with OSAS (apnea- hypopnea index >5/h) were retrospectively evaluated. The study population was classified into obese (body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m2) and non-obese (BMI0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between non-obese cases and the supine and non-supine values of the obese subjects (p>0.05). There was no difference in the AHI index in the obese and non-obese group in the supine and non-supine position and in NREM periods (p>0.05). The AHI was worse in REM periods. The AHI was worse in all obese and non-obese subjects in the supine position (p<0.05-0.01).Conclusion:In OSAS the AHI was higher in the supine position. Obesity had no additional effect. On the other hand in all subjects while REM, NREM, AHI situations were indifferent, obese subjects AHI index in REM period is worsen.

Keywords

• sleep apnea
• body position
• body mass index
• sleep stage