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The effect of OSAS on sick leave and work disability
B Sivertsen1, S Overland, N Glozier
1Dept of Clinical Psychology, University of Bergen, Christiesgt. 12, 5015 Bergen, Norway. borge.sivertsen@psykp.uib.no
The European Respiratory Journal
|July 26, 2008
Summary
Symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) predict long-term sick leave and disability. Daytime sleepiness was the strongest predictor, highlighting OSAS as a risk factor for work absence.
Area of Science:
- Occupational health
- Sleep medicine
- Public health
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is a prevalent condition.
- The impact of OSAS symptoms on long-term work disability and sick leave requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the independent contribution of OSAS symptoms to long-term sick leave and permanent work disability.
- To assess the predictive power of specific OSAS symptoms (snoring, breathing cessations, daytime sleepiness) for work-related outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Historical cohort design with a 4-year follow-up period.
- Inclusion of 7,028 participants aged 40-45 years from the Hordaland Health Study.
- Assessment of self-reported OSAS symptoms, BMI, and other confounders, linked to national records for sick leave and disability benefits.
Main Results:
- OSAS symptoms significantly predicted both long-term sick leave (> or = 8 weeks) and permanent work disability.
- These associations remained significant after adjusting for potential confounding factors.
- Daytime sleepiness demonstrated the highest explanatory power, followed by breathing cessations and snoring.
Conclusions:
- Self-reported OSAS symptoms are an independent risk factor for subsequent long-term sick leave and permanent work disability.
- Daytime sleepiness, breathing cessations, and snoring are key indicators.
- Further research using objective measures of OSAS is recommended for validation.
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