Effects of nCPAP Treatment over Reaction Time and Sleepiness Levels during Vigilance

Abstract

Several studies have shown that sleep fragmentation not only increases daytime sleepiness, but also deteriorates reaction time. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome(OSAS)is characterized by interruptions in normal sleep patterns. Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure(nCPAP)is the most frequently used treatment for OSAS. The objective of this investigation was to evaluate changes in daytime sleepiness levels and reaction time in apnea patients after nCPAP treatments of 1 and 3 months. The sample was composed of 51 obstructive sleep apnea patients(47 men and 4 women)with ages ranging between 30 and 65 years of age. Sleep apnea was diagnosed with a cardiorespiratory polygraph of the total hours of sleep. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale was used to assess daytime sleepiness. A BASIC software program was used to measure the simple perceptual reaction times in milliseconds. The results indicated statistically significant decreases in daytime sleepiness levels at 1 month(p < .000)and at 3 months(p < .000)of treatment. The results also showed statistically significant decreases in reaction times at one month(p < .000), as well as at 3 months(p < .000)of treatment. Results indicate an improvement in the vigilance levels of obstructive sleep apnea patients after 1 month and 3 months of nCPAP treatment.