Excessive daytime sleepiness in Austria: Prevalence and risk factors

Background: The prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness has been studied in many countries. Results differ remarkably depending on the definition and methods used. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness in the Austrian population and to study the association with different sleep- and health-related variables. Methods: The data were derived from a survey conducted by the Austrian Sleep Research Association (ASRA). The sample included 1000 people from all Austrian provinces and was representative for the Austrian population. Results: Of the persons interviewed, 20.2% reported frequently having difficulties in staying awake in monotonous situations during the day. 11.5% reported falling asleep involuntarily during the day. Risk factors for excessive daytime sleepiness were short sleep duration, snoring, use of hypnotics, and high blood pressure. Conclusion: In the Austrian population, one out of five persons frequently has difficulties staying awake in monotonous situations during the day, and one out of ten persons falls asleep involuntarily during the day. While the association between excessive daytime sleepiness and sleep-related breathing disorders is well known, insufficient sleep syndrome and use of hypnotics might still be underestimated risk factors for excessive daytime sleepiness. Considering the high prevalence and the associated risks, excessive daytime sleepiness represents a relevant health problem in the Austrian population. © 2010 Springer.

Duke Scholars

Author Birgit Frauscher Neurology, Epilepsy and Sleep