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Excessive Daytime Sleepiness and Risk of Sleep Apnea: A Retrospective Analysis of Peruvian Adults

Víctor Juárez-Chunga, Aurora Calderón-Valentín, Doris Hancco-Huillca, Tania Betsy Rios-Tuanama, Andre Nelson Sotomayor-Serruno, Juan Morales

Clinical Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health, 2026

350 participants

Abstract

Introduction Sleep apnea is a highly prevalent chronic disorder and a leading causal factor of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). Objectives This study aimed: (1) To evaluate the presence of EDS and the type of sleep apnea in the adult population assessed; (2) to identify factors associated with the type of sleep apnea; and (3) to evaluate the ability of EDS to predict the type of sleep apnea. Materials and Methods This study employed an observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional design, utilizing a retrospective analysis of secondary data. A total of 350 adults evaluated at a specialized sleep center in Lima, Peru, were included. EDS was assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), while the type of sleep apnea was determined through overnight polysomnography. Results EDS was present in 84.6% (n= 296) of participants, with a predominance of ESS levels II and III. According to the polysomnographic diagnosis, 8.0% (n = 28) showed no evidence of sleep apnea, 49.1% (n = 172) were diagnosed with central sleep apnea, and 42.9% (n = 150) with obstructive sleep apnea. Male sex (OR = 5.32; 95% CI: 2.01–14.06) and symptoms, such as daytime sleepiness (OR = 3.51; 95% CI: 1.52–8.10), difficulty falling asleep (OR = 5.20; 95% CI: 2.32–11.64), awakening with sleepiness (OR = 35.11; 95% CI: 8.16–151.07), and choking sensation upon awakening (OR = 15.62; 95% CI: 2.10–116.42), were significantly associated with sleep apnea. EDS emerged as the main predictor in the decision tree…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 350 participants or records.

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