Self-Reported Napping Behavior Change After Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Treatment in Older Adults with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

ObjectivesTo assess the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on napping behavior in adults aged 60 and older with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). DesignRetrospective cohort study using questionnaires. SettingSleep center. ParticipantsIndividuals starting CPAP treatment between April 2010 and March 2012 (mean age 65.2 4.7; M:F = 3.9:1; N = 107). MeasurementsAll subjects underwent sleep studies, clinical reviews, and CPAP adherence checks and completed a questionnaire regarding CPAP adherence, current employment status, sleep patterns before and after CPAP, and factors affecting their current sleep patterns. ResultsCPAP treatment duration was 82.7 +/- 30.0 weeks, and objective adherence was 5.4 +/- 2.0 hours per night overall. Daytime nap frequency before CPAP treatment was higher in those with a history of stroke or cardiovascular disease. Both sexes had a significant reduction in daytime napping (men, P < .001; women, P = .008), evening napping (men, P < .001; women, P = .02), and daily nap duration (men, P < .001; women, P = .02). Logistic regression analysis showed that the reduction in self-reported daily nap duration was associated with younger age (odds ratio (OR) = 0.86, P = .04), a decrease in ESS score (OR = 1.20, P = .03), and longer self-reported daily nap duration at baseline (OR = 31.52, P < .001). ConclusionLong-term CPAP treatment in older adults with OSAHS can play a significant role in reducing nap frequency and daily nap duration. Aging or shorter baseline daily nap duration may attenuate this effect.