Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
07:54

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Published on: December 6, 2016

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: are we missing an at-risk population?

Christopher J Lettieri1, Am H Eliasson, Teotimo Andrada

  • 1Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine Service, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC 20307, USA. christopher.lettieri@us.army.mil

Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine : JCSM : Official Publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine
|June 15, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) affects individuals of all ages and weights. This study found that OSAS severity is not dependent on age or body mass index (BMI), even in younger, less obese populations.

Area of Science:

  • Sleep Medicine
  • Pulmonology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is commonly associated with older age and higher body-mass index (BMI).
  • Preconceived notions about typical OSAS patients can lead to underdiagnosis in younger, non-overweight individuals.
  • This study investigated the relationship between OSAS severity, age, and BMI in a diverse population, including active-duty military personnel.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To test the hypothesis that OSAS severity is independent of age and BMI in a younger, less obese population.
  • To evaluate potential differences in OSAS prevalence and severity across different demographic groups (active-duty military, National Guardsmen, civilians).

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study included 270 consecutive patients diagnosed with OSAS.
  • Demographic data, including age and BMI, were collected for active-duty military members, National Guardsmen, and civilians.
  • Correlation between age, BMI, and OSAS severity (apnea-hypopnea index - AHI) was analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Active-duty military personnel were significantly younger and had lower BMIs compared to National Guardsmen and civilians.
  • Despite demographic differences, the prevalence of severe OSAS did not vary significantly between the groups.
  • No significant correlation was found between BMI and OSAS severity in active-duty subjects; a weak correlation existed between age and AHI across all subjects.

Conclusions:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) can occur in young, non-obese individuals.
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness warrants consideration for OSAS, irrespective of patient age or BMI.
  • Clinical awareness of OSAS in diverse populations is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Acupoint Application Combined with Ear Plaster Therapy for Treating Sleep Disorders with Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease04:53

Acupoint Application Combined with Ear Plaster Therapy for Treating Sleep Disorders with Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Published on: October 18, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Sleep Apnea01:21

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops intermittently during sleep, often leading to significant health issues. Each episode can last from 10 to 20 seconds or more and is frequently accompanied by a brief arousal from sleep. This disturbance, largely unnoticed by the individual, can lead to severe daytime fatigue. Commonly, individuals seek help after being informed by their partners about loud snoring and noticeable breathing pauses during sleep.
The condition is more prevalent among...
Other Pulmonary Disorders01:17

Other Pulmonary Disorders

Respiratory disorders encompass a range of conditions with varying levels of severity. Asthma, marked by chronic airway inflammation and hypersensitivity, is one such condition. It can lead to airway obstruction due to factors like bronchial spasms, mucosal edema, increased mucus secretion, or epithelial damage. Asthma triggers are diverse, ranging from allergens to emotional upset, and treatment focuses on both immediate relief through bronchodilators and long-term inflammation suppression.
Sleep-Wake Cycles01:24

Sleep-Wake Cycles

Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and  rapid eye movement (REM).
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management01:22

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management

Airway management is a key skill in emergency and critical care settings, as maintaining a clear airway is essential for adequate oxygenation and ventilation.Head Tilt-Chin Lift TechniqueThe head tilt-chin lift maneuver is an essential technique primarily used in patients without suspected cervical spine injuries. To perform this maneuver, one hand is placed on the patient’s forehead, and gentle pressure is applied backward to tilt the head. The fingertips of the other hand are positioned under...
Narcolepsy01:07

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by pervasive, uncontrolled sleepiness and other sleep disturbances. One of its hallmark symptoms is an abrupt transition to REM sleep upon falling asleep, which causes symptoms typically associated with this phase to occur unexpectedly during wakefulness. These include the following symptoms, which typically last from a minute or two to half an hour.
Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation01:13

Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation

Insufficient sleep refers to not getting the recommended amount of sleep for optimal functioning, even if it's just slightly less than needed. Sleep insufficiency may occur due to lifestyle choices, such as staying up late for social events or work, resulting in routinely getting less sleep than required. For example, consistently sleeping 6 hours when the body needs 7-9 hours can lead to cumulative effects on health and well-being.
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...