The Influence of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease on Daytime Sleepiness and Depressive Symptom in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Hyeon Hui Kang, Chul‐Hyun Lim, Jung Hwan Oh, Minjae Cho, Sang Haak Lee
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS: As there is insufficient evidence for a relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), we investigated whether OSA diagnosed by polysomnography (PSG) is related to GERD. METHODS: A total of 402 subjects was evaluated. Overnight PSG was performed and a few questionnaires on GERD, anxiety, depression, and daytime sleepiness were administered. An apnea-hypopnea index < 5 was the classification criterion for subjects without OSA. Subjects with heartburn or acid regurgitation at least once a week were classified as having GERD. RESULTS: < 0.001) scores than patients with OSA without GERD. Subjects with nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux symptoms had a higher body mass index, waist-to-height ratio, and waist circumference-to-height index than those without symptoms. Multiple logistic regression showed that higher Epworth Sleepiness Scale and depression scores were independent factors associated with GERD in patients with OSA. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of GERD in patients with OSA was 12.9%. The prevalence of GERD did not correlate with OSA severity. Daytime sleepiness and depression seem to be associated with GERD in patients with OSA, while nocturnal reflux symptoms seem to be related to obesity in OSA.