CPAP Improved Daytime Sleepiness and Memory Function in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Objective: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder which results in daytime sleepiness and impaired memory function. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on sleepiness and memory function in OSA patients. We also investigated whether CPAP compliance impacted the effect of this treatment.Methods: The case-control study enrolled sixty-six patients with moderate to severe OSA subjects. All subjects completed a polysomnographic study, sleepiness questionnaires (the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), and four memory function tests (WM: working memory; PS: processing speed; LM: logical memory; FM: face memory).Results: Prior to CPAP treatment, no significant differences (p< 0.05) were noted in the demographic data, daytime sleepiness, or memory function between the two groups (with/without CPAP). However, OSA patients treated with CPAP for two months showed significant improvements in daytime sleepiness, PS, LM, and FM compared to those who did not receive CPAP treatment. A significant improvement in LM was observed in subjects who exhibited good compliance with CPAP treatment compared to those with poor compliance. Conclusions: In conclusion, CPAP treatment for two months improved daytime sleepiness and memory function in OSA patients. Patients exhibiting good CPAP compliance demonstrated greater improvements in daytime sleepiness and LM function.