Insomnia symptoms influence CPAP compliance

The aim of this study is to determine parameters which influence 6-month compliance of continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). This prospective study investigated 73 patients (24 females) with OSAS and medical indication for CPAP therapy: age 55.1 +/- 11.5 years, body mass index (BMI) 30.8 +/- 5.0 kg/m2, Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) 39.2 +/- 26.7/h, Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI) 33.2 +/- 25.4/h, minimum O-2 saturation 78.9 +/- 7.6%. The influence of baseline parameters (demographic and polysomnographic data, sleeping medication intakes, BMI, psychometrics [Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Regensburg Insomnia Scale, Vigilance test and Beck Depression Inventory]) on 6-month compliance was evaluated with a correlation and a linear regression analysis. The baseline value of the Regensburg Insomnia Scale (RIS) predicts 6-month CPAP compliance (r = -0.376, R (2) = 0.14, p < 0.001), although no other baseline parameter correlates. Patients with a compliance of < 4 h/night show higher RIS scores, i.e., more insomnia symptoms (17.6 +/- 8.8) compared to those with a parts per thousand yen4 h/night (12.6 +/- 6.9; p < 0.05). Insomnia symptoms prior to the beginning of CPAP treatment show a negative influence on CPAP compliance. Further studies should clarify, if a treatment of insomnia symptoms leads to a benefit in compliance.