Sleep characteristics of a population of patients seeking bariatric surgery

INTRODUCTION Investigation for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is mandatory before bariatric surgery. Data regarding chronic insomnia and chronic sleep deprivation are scarce in this population. METHODS A cross-sectional study assessing the prevalence of chronic insomnia, OSAS and chronic sleep privation in an obese population referred for bariatric surgery. RESULTS In all, 88 patients (74% women, median age 41 [33.5-50] years and median body mass index 42 [39.2-45.7] kg/m2) were included. The prevalence of chronic insomnia was 31% in the 87% suffering from OSAS that required continuous positive airway pressure therapy. Comorbid insomnia and sleep apnoea (COMISA) were found in 27% of our population. Chronic insomnia was associated with a lower quality of life (median EQ5D analogue visual scale: 60 [50-70] P=0.04) and a poor sleep quality (median Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI): 8 (6-11 P<0.01) The deleterious combination of sleep privation and insomnia had a higher impact in terms of impairment of quality of life and sleep quality (median EQ5D analogue visual scale: 50 [40-65] P=0.02 et median PSQI: 11 [9-14, P<0.01) CONCLUSION: Chronic insomnia and sleep privation have synergistic deleterious effects in candidates for bariatric surgery. Further studies need to be conducted to evaluate the evolution after surgery.