Changes in Sleep Parameters in Different Age Groups between Genders

Abstract

Aim: To examine the changes in sleep parameters related to sex between the patients over 65 years old and younger group. Method:A total of 293 patients who applied to the sleep clinic with complaints such as snoring, cessation of breathing during sleep, and excessive daytime sleepiness (GAUH) and whose Polysomnography (PSG) were taken were included in the study. Of these patients, 71 people were in the group over 65 (Male: 43, Female: 28) and 222 people (Male: 139, Female: 83) were in the group between the ages of 45-60. The medical histories of the patients were retrospectively scanned from the patient files. Among the PSG parameters, Total Sleep Time, Sleep Efficiency (%), REM sleep rate (%), NREM sleep rate (%), AHI (Apnea Hypopnea index), REM AHI, NREM AHI, minimum oxygen saturation (min O2 hours), mean oxygen saturation (mean O2 hours), oxygen desaturation time (min) and oxygen desaturation index (ODI) were recorded. Results: When sleep parameter changes between age groups were examined, regardless of gender, it was observed that sleep efficiency (the ratio of total sleep time to length of stay in bed) was significantly decreased in the 65+ age group compared to the younger group (73.69±17.49 and 79.44±14.65 p: 0.014). When the total sleep duration (244.38±97.44 and 284.51±93.40) and sleep efficiency data (73.55±16.16 and 82.19±14.13 p:0.002 ) of PSG parameters in male patients were examined, it was seen that the data of the over 65 age group were lower than the young group. When the minimum and mean oxygen saturation in female patients was examined, it was observed that the group over 65 years had lower levels (minimum oxygen saturation: 71.14±13.52 and 77.97±11.01 p:0.021, mean oxygen saturation: 89.78±4.52 and 91.93±3.70 p:0.030). Desaturation (%) was found to be lower in the elderly group also.(30.52±33.71 and 12.22±18.97 p:0.012) Conclusion: In this study, decreases in total sleep duration, sleep efficiency, minimum oxygen saturation, average oxygen saturation and desaturation (%) were detected in sleep parameters in advanced age compared to younger ages. Further studies with larger participation and younger patients are needed to support the results and for the new results.