OSA Symptoms Associated with and Predictive of Anxiety in Middle-aged Men: Secondary Analysis of NHANES Data

Object: This population-based study examined obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) symptoms predictive of anxiety in middle-aged men.

Method: Secondary analyses were conducted on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2008 data using weighted samples and complex sample analysis techniques (unweighted N=1,217).

Findings: Nonrefreshing sleep (χ(2)=69.333, p<0.001), excessive daytime sleepiness (χ(2)=47.766, p<0.001), and sleep fragmentation (χ(2)=30.692, p<0.001) were significantly associated with anxiety. Nonrefreshing sleep (OR 3.582, p<0.001) and awakenings due to apneic episodes (OR 2.047, p=0.001) were predictive of anxiety.

Conclusion: Comorbid anxiety and OSA symptoms are common and have implications for activities of daily living, social responsibilities, and quality of life. Screening for anxiety among men with OSA symptoms is recommended.