Effects of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome on pilot's sleepiness, mood and subjective quality of life

Abstract

Objective To suggest intervention by investigating the effects of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome(OSAS) on pilot's sleepiness,mood and subjective quality of life.Methods Fiftyfour pilots,who were diagnosed as OSAS by polysomnography (PSG),and 30 normal flying personnel were measured by anthropometry,Epworth Sleepiness Scale(ESS),Calgary Sleep Apnea Quality of Life Index(SAQLI) and Zung self-rated depression scale (SDS).Data were processed by descriptive review and mean valve comparison.Results Among OSAS pilots,76.6％ of them were oveweighed,while 20.3％ were obesity and 28.1％ showed excessive daytime sleepiness.Those significantly affected their work and life.41.7％ OSAS pilots expressed depression or depression symptom,which indicated close correlation to excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue.Comparisons of body mass index (BMI),neck circumference,sleep apnea/hypopnea index (AHI),the longest time of breathing disorder (BDLon),ESS and SAQLI showed significant difference between OSAS and normal pilots (F=6.28-270.29,P＜0.01).Further analysis showed statistical difference between the normal and mild OSAS pilots on SAQLI and AHI (P＜0.01).Even ESS had no significant difference with mild OSAS pilots ( P＞ 0.05 ) but with the moderate ( P ＜ 0.01 ).Twelve OSAS fighter pilots,including 9 mild and 3 moderate cases,got normal results in PSG and ESS test when they reduced weight,and then were qualified for flying.Among 42 OSAS transporter pilots,13 mild cases were directly qualified while 15 moderate and 8 severe cases returned to the normal in PSG and ESS test by weight reduction and they passed the assessment for flying.Another 6 severe cases were in treatment.Conclusions OSAS pilots are usually with the symptoms of excessive daytime sleepiness and depression mood.Their subjective quality of life is significantly degraded as compared with the normal.It is suggested that necessary intervention should be considered especially to the moderate and severe OSAS pilots. Key words: Sleep apnea, obstructive; Lethargy; Quality of life; Beharioral symptoms