[Prevalence of sleep disorders in an employed Swiss population: results of a questionnaire survey].
BACKGROUND
The aim of the study was to demonstrate the variety of sleep disorders occurring in a working population in Switzerland and to estimate the prevalence of the main sleep disorders in this Swiss cohort. We also intended to demonstrate that with just a few systematic questions a straightforward diagnostic workup is possible in general practice.


METHODS
A questionnaire was sent to all 1473 clerks of the Berne main post office. The questions allowed a choice between "yes" or "no", or often (= +3), occasionally (= +2), rarely (= +) and never (= 0). Daytime sleepiness was assessed by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale.


RESULTS
668 questionnaires (45%) were available for analysis. Daytime sleepiness, assessed by an Epworth score > or = 10, was found in 13% of the respondents. Short sleep (< 7 h sleep) was reported in 47%, and long sleep (> 9 h sleep) in 5% of this population. Specific questions clearly suggested obstructive sleep apnoea in 6%, restless-legs syndrome in 4%, disorders of initiating and maintaining sleep in 19% and narcolepsy in 0.5% of respondents.


CONCLUSIONS
Chronic sleep insufficiency and sleep complaints appear to be frequent in this relatively young Swiss working population. The questionnaire-based estimated prevalence of the main sleep disorders is comparable to previously published international data.
Schmitt
B E
BE
Psychiatrische Poliklinik, Universitätskliniken, Inselspital Bern.
Gugger
M
M
Augustiny
K
K
Bassetti
C
C
Radanov
B P
BP
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D013557:Switzerland / Q000453:epidemiology