Sleep Patterns with Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Middle Adolescence: A Cross-Sectional Study of Obese Patients

Background: The aim of this study was to explore specific sleep patterns in obese adolescents aged 15-17 using polysomnography (PSG), whether or not obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is present. Methods and Results: Anthropometric measurements were taken of all participants, and outpatient PSGs were performed. After PSG, all obese participants were divided into two groups: non-OSA group (n=18) and OSA group (n=27). Fifteen lean adolescents were included in the control group. Apnea/hypopnea index, episodes of snoring, time with SpO(2)<90%, arousal index, sleep stages 1-2 were significantly higher; and lowest SpO(2), sleep efficiency, slow wave sleep, rapid eye movement sleep were significantly lower in OSA patients than in both non-OSA groups. However, all PSG variables in the non-OSA obese group were comparable to lean controls. Conclusion: Sleep characteristics are related to the presence of OSA, but not to the excess weight. Future research should evaluate sleep pattern changes following successful treatment of OSA in obese adolescents and longitudinal outcomes in adults.