A Case of Mild OSA Exacerbated by Alcohol Use.

Area of Science:

• Sleep Medicine
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common condition exacerbated by alcohol.
• Home-based sleep studies are increasingly used for OSA diagnosis.
• Alcohol consumption can significantly affect sleep study results and OSA severity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the impact of alcohol consumption on obstructive sleep apnoea diagnosis.
• To emphasize the importance of considering alcohol use in sleep study interpretation.
• To illustrate how alcohol affects OSA severity and sleep architecture.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 65-year-old male evaluated for OSA.
• Comparison of two sleep studies: one with significant alcohol intake, one alcohol-free.
• Utilized home sleep study and in-lab polysomnography.

Main Results:

• Initial home sleep study with alcohol showed moderate OSA (AHI 22.1), predominantly in supine position.
• Subsequent alcohol-free in-lab study revealed mild OSA (AHI 7.5), with less supine dependence.
• Alcohol intake markedly altered OSA severity and sleep position.

Conclusions:

• Alcohol consumption can significantly confound obstructive sleep apnoea diagnosis, especially with home sleep studies.
• Accurate OSA evaluation requires documenting and considering alcohol use.
• Alcohol reduction may be a key component in managing OSA for selected patients.