Abstract
The obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common medical disorder. The condition is characterized by sleep-disordered
breathing, with arousals from apneas and hypopneas leading to sleep fragmentation and ensuing fatigue. Night sweats and
morning headaches are among the accompanying symptoms, with daytime sleepiness being the most predominant. Given the
prevalence of fatigue in OSAS patients and its negative consequences on daily functioning and quality of life, its identification
in these individuals is of great importance. This is of particular relevance in those for whom fatigue persists despite treatment of
OSAS, as this can indicate that the OSAS is not the main or only cause. It is therefore vital to have a good understanding of the
overlap between fatigue and related constructs, such as sleepiness and depression, and to use a valid and reliable instrument
that is not confounded by these constructs and OSAS severity with which to identify patients at high risk of fatigue. Knowledge
of the prevalence of fatigue in patients with OSAS and its determinants is important for secondary prevention in order to
identify patients at risk of adverse secondary outcomes such as clinical depression, impaired quality of life, loss of productivity
at work, and an increased risk of motor vehicle accidents. I
breathing, with arousals from apneas and hypopneas leading to sleep fragmentation and ensuing fatigue. Night sweats and
morning headaches are among the accompanying symptoms, with daytime sleepiness being the most predominant. Given the
prevalence of fatigue in OSAS patients and its negative consequences on daily functioning and quality of life, its identification
in these individuals is of great importance. This is of particular relevance in those for whom fatigue persists despite treatment of
OSAS, as this can indicate that the OSAS is not the main or only cause. It is therefore vital to have a good understanding of the
overlap between fatigue and related constructs, such as sleepiness and depression, and to use a valid and reliable instrument
that is not confounded by these constructs and OSAS severity with which to identify patients at high risk of fatigue. Knowledge
of the prevalence of fatigue in patients with OSAS and its determinants is important for secondary prevention in order to
identify patients at risk of adverse secondary outcomes such as clinical depression, impaired quality of life, loss of productivity
at work, and an increased risk of motor vehicle accidents. I
| Originalsprog | Engelsk |
|---|---|
| Tidsskrift | International Journal of Sleep and Wakefulness |
| Antal sider | 4 |
| Status | Udgivet - 2007 |
| Udgivet eksternt | Ja |