Prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea in polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Background: There are many risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) which is a relatively widespread and chronic sleep problem that is recognized by recurrent partial or total obstruction in upper airway during sleep leading to interrupted hypoxia, arousals, excessive daytime sleepiness and increased sympathetic activity. One of these risk factors is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) which is one of the commonest endocrine diseases at females’ reproductive age, multiple questionnaires were used to estimate the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in polycystic ovary syndrome patients as Stop Bang questionnaire and Epworth sleepiness scale that used to estimate excessive daytime sleepiness in those patients. Aim of the review is to screen for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in patients with PCOS, prompt evaluation of both diseases and therefore decrease their serious cardio-metabolic complications. Conclusion: There is significant association between OSAS and PCOS. Therapeutic complete interventions of PCOS may reduce the seriousness of OSA.

Keywords

• obstructive sleep apnea syndrome polycystic ovary syndrome
• stop bang questionnaire epworth sleepiness scale