Habitual snoring in adolescents and its relationship to inhibitory control and attention

Introduction. Sleep-disordered breathing (RBD), from habitual snoring to obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), can influence brain functioning by affecting executive functions such as attention and inhibitory control. Objective. To analyze the association between snoring and executive functions, specifically attention, impulsivity/inhibitory control in Argentine adolescents. Population and methods. In 2018, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 831 adolescents attending public and private schools in La Pampa. Sleep duration, snoring, and the risk of OSAS were assessed using the pediatric sleep questionnaire (PSQ) and executive functions (attention and inhibitory control) using the Go/No-Go test. The association between SRT and executive functions was performed using a robust regression model adjusted for body mass index, hours of sleep, and physical activity. Results. About 10% of the participants were habitual snorers, and about 7% were at risk of OSA (positive PSQ), with no significant differences between sexes. Errors of commission (No-Go errors) (β= 2.06; -3.20, -0.92) and errors of omission (Go errors) (β= -0.66; -1.31, -0.01) were significantly higher in snorers vs.non-snorers. In addition, individuals at risk for OSAS showed significantly more commission errors (NoGo errors) than those without OSAS risk (β= -1.98; -3.31, -0.66). Conclusions. The associations between snoring and inattention and impulsivity, and between the risk of sleep apnea and lower inhibitory control found in the present study suggest alterations in executive functions due to sleep disorders.