Outcome of CPAP treatment on intimate and sexual relationships in men with obstructive sleep apnea.
OBJECTIVE
To examine intimate and sexual relationships in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the association with daytime sleepiness, and the change in these outcomes with continuous positive airway pressure treatment (CPAP).


METHODS
Pre-post test, quasi-experimental study.


METHODS
Seven sleep disorders centers in the U.S. and Canada.


METHODS
123 males with OSA (AHI > or =20), aged 21 to 60 years.


METHODS
Nasal CPAP for > or =3 months.


RESULTS
Compared to normal values, at baseline patients were significantly sleepier, as measured by the Multiple Sleep Latency Test and Epworth Sleepiness Scale. They were also more impaired in intimate and sexual relationships, as measured by the Intimate and Sexual Relationships subscale of the Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire. Neither race nor marital status was significantly associated with impaired intimate and sexual relationships. Following treatment, patients were significantly more alert and had reported improved intimate and sexual relationships, with the greatest change occurring in those with the most disease severity.


CONCLUSIONS
OSA has an adverse impact on intimate and sexual relationships that is related to subjective sleepiness and improved with CPAP treatment.
Reishtein
Judith L
JL
College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Maislin
Greg
G
Weaver
Terri E
TE
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002170:Canada; D045422:Continuous Positive Airway Pressure / Q000379:methods*; D006970:Disorders of Excessive Somnolence / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017286:Polysomnography; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy*; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States; D055815:Young Adult