Factors associated with poor sleep health in adults at risk for obstructive sleep apnea

INTRODUCTION: Sleep quality is essential for health, yet few studies have assessed this issue in adults with suspected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This study aimed to evaluate sleep health in these adults using the previously validated Ru-SATED questionnaire during home sleep apnea testing. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with adults who completed the multidimensional Ru-SATED questionnaire, which evaluates six main dimensions of sleep health. Participants were divided into two groups based on their Ru-SATED scores: good sleep health (≥ 8 points) and poor sleep health (< 8 points). Correlation was assessed using Spearman's coefficient (r). Logistic regression tests were performed to identify predictors of poor sleep quality. RESULTS: A total of 415 patients were evaluated: 220 patients (53.0%) reported good sleep quality, while 195 patients (47.0%) experienced poor sleep quality. Ru-SATED scores were correlated with the severity of insomnia, as measured by the Insomnia Severity Index [ISI] (r = -0.625; p < 0.001), but not with the respiratory event index [REI] (r = -0.076; p = 0.123). In the univariate analysis, four parameters emerged as significant predictors of poor sleep health: excessive daytime sleepiness (p = 0.008), insomnia (p < 0.001), ISI (p < 0.001), and REI (p = 0.020). In the multivariate analysis, only ISI values emerged as an independent predictor of poor sleep quality (adjusted odds ratio: 1.219; 95% confidence interval: 1.154–1.287; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Among individuals with clinically suspected OSA, a high prevalence of poor sleep health was detected and strongly associated with the severity of insomnia.