Gender differences in sleep pattern in a cohort of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Introduction: Besides sleep related breathing disorders, other factors influence sleep pattern and polysomnographic parameters. Especially gender differences have been described that must be considered when making therapeutic decisions. Using data from a cohort of patients with OSAS, we will present gender related differences derived from a polysomnographic (PSG) examination prior to any therapeutic intervention. Methods: Patients with OSAS who were referred to our sleep disorders centre with suspected sleep disordered breathing were monitored during the diagnostic visit and filled in the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. PSG recordings were visually analysed and parameters essential for sleep pattern rating were collected. Results: Data from 938 patients were collected, consisting of 790 male (age 54.6±12.3 years) and 148 female (age 58.5±12.8 years) subjects. Sleepiness among genders was not different (males: 380 ESS 2 p=0.15). However, females had less breathing disorders (AHI 25.7±24.9/h) than males (AHI 33.0±26.9/h; p Conclusion: We could show significant differences in light sleep and deep sleep proportions and arousal indices between male and female OSA patients. In contrast, the proportion of sleepy patients was not significantly different. These results may help to understand gender related differences in reported daytime symptoms and facilitate therapeutic decisions.