Dados do Trabalho

Título

Prevalence and Correlates of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness in a Primary Care Population in São Carlos-SP: Insights from Sleep Week 2024

Introdução

Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS) can have profound medical, social, and economic impacts. This study was conducted as part of Sleep Week 2024, an annual event designed to raise awareness about sleep health and gather data on sleep patterns among target populations. Our focus was on adults attending a Family Health Unit (USF) in São Carlos-SP, Brazil.

Objetivo

To evaluate significant correlations and associations related to EDS among participants using a structured questionnaire.

Métodos

We conducted a non-experimental, cross-sectional study from late March to mid-April 2024. Participants, who provided signed informed consent, were users of the USF. We administered an ethical-approved structured questionnaire, which included investigator-proposed questions and established sleep scales such as STOP-BANG, the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). We also measured basic physical parameters, including Body Mass Index (BMI) and cervical circumference. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software.

Resultados

A total of 40 adults (31 women and 9 men; mean age: 42.3 years) were interviewed. Among them, 24 (6 men and 18 women) had EDS. No significant association was found between EDS and variables such as sex, comorbidities (e.g., hypertension, diabetes), or habits like smoking and drinking after 6:00 PM. However, there was a significant association between higher ESS scores and afternoon napping (t(29) = -2.36; p < 0.05; Cohen's d = 0.76), with those who had EDS (ESS ≥ 10) being more likely to nap (χ² = 8.09; p < 0.05). No significant correlations were observed between ESS scores and continuous variables like age, self-rated sleep quality, minutes of exercise per week, BMI, or cervical circumference. Waking up during the night, whether once or more times, did not correlate with increased daytime sleepiness.

Conclusões

Our findings indicate a high prevalence of EDS (60%) in this population, with afternoon napping related to higher ESS scores, including the likelihood of clinical EDS. Despite the fact that half of the participants engaged in physical activity, this did not appear to alleviate sleep-related issues. The results underscore the value of awareness initiatives like Sleep Week in educating the public about the importance of adequate sleep, promoting sleep hygiene, and offering psychological support.

Palavras -chave

Insomnia, physical and mental health, primary care