Long-term effects of CPAP on daytime functioning in patients with sleep apnoea syndrome

Daytime sleepiness, impaired cognitive performance and dysphoric mood are often present in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (SAS). This prospective controlled study evaluates the effects of treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) during 1 yr on daytime functioning in a large group of patients with SAS. The authors studied 80 patients (mean+/-sem 49+/-1 yrs) with SAS with a mean apnoea-hypopnoea index of 60+/-2 h-1, and 80 healthy control subjects matched for sex and age (46+/-1 yrs.). Measurements were obtained at the beginning of the study and 12+/-1 months later, and included: daytime sleepiness (Epworth scale), depression and anxiety (Beck tests), vigilance (Steer-Clear) and reaction time (Psychometer Vigilance Test 192). Drug, coffee and alcohol intake, as well as the sleep schedule, were also recorded. Results showed that, before treatment, patients were more somnolent (p<0.001), anxious (p<0.01) and depressed (p<0.001) than control subjects. Also, they had a longer reaction time (p<0.05) and poorer vigilance (p<0.01). The use of CPAP improved significantly the levels of somnolence (p<0.0001) and vigilance (p<0.01), but failed to modify anxiety and depression. Reaction time changes were minor. Variables with a potential confounding effect did not change during the study. These results provide firm evidence to substantiate the use of continuous positive airway pressure in patients with sleep apnoea syndrome.