Physiopathological correlations of comorbid insomnia and sleep apnoea (comisa) – a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE: To ascertain the physiopathological correlations of insomnia and obstructive sleep apnoea (Comorbid Insomnia and Sleep Apnoea (COMISA). METHODS: Systematic review and meta-analysis, with searches in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane, and grey literature, including physiopathological characteristics and prevalence of COMISA in observational studies. The meta-analysis employed the I² and Cochran’s Q tests, as well as the random effects method, and the results were presented in forest plots. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools. RESULTS: Sixteen studies were selected, with a prevalence of 30% for COMISA, 39% among ages 18–40, 42% in European countries, and an average Body Mass Index (BMI) of 28.55 (± 1.12). Patients with COMISA have higher Apnoea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), lower minimum oxygen saturation, higher micro-arousal index, longer wake time after sleep onset Wake Time After Sleep Onset (WASO), lower sleep efficiency, longer sleep latency, and possibly shorter Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep duration. CONCLUSION: The physiopathology of COMISA involves compromised sleep architecture and a complex interaction of mechanisms related to central arousal, sleep fragmentation, neurobiological changes, and a more severe profile of clinical and psychiatric comorbidities, with additive or synergistic consequences of the isolated disorders, requiring a comprehensive and personalized diagnostic and therapeutic approach. PROSPERO Registry number: CRD420251038279.