Morning headache is considered to be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Despite not being as common as excessive daytime sleepiness or unrefreshing sleep, it can similarly impair everyday activities. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of and factors associated with morning headaches (MH) among patients referred for polysomnography due to suspected OSAS. This is a retrospective study on 1131 patients who underwent polysomnography between 2013 and 2015. Morning headaches (MH) were reported in 29% of them. In a logistic regression model, a rise in the n probability of MH was associated with female sex (odds ratio, OR, 1.38, 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.08–1.75), history of hypertension (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.06–1.46), complaint on unrefreshing sleep (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.19–1.70), choking at night (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.05–1.49), and fall in total sleep time (OR 0.872 per each hour, 95% CI 0.76–0.99). The risk between MH and apnea–hypopnea index, blood oxygen saturation parameters or arousal index was found to be statistically insignificant. There is a lack of evidence that MH is associated with the severity of OSAS or nocturnal hypoxemia.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disease of significant importance, which may lead to numerous severe clinical consequences. The gold standard in the diagnosis of this sleep-related breathing disorder (SRBD) is polysomnography (PSG). However, due to the need for high expertise of staff who perform this procedure, its complexity, and relatively low availability, some simpler substitutes have been developed; among them is polygraphy (PG), which is most widely used. Also, there is a variety of questionnaires suitable to assess the pre-test probability and severity of OSA. The most frequently used ones are the STOP-BANG questionnaire (SBQ), NoSAS questionnaire, and Berlin questionnaire (BQ). However, they have different sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) when being used in various populations. The aim of this study is to provide a concise and clinically-oriented review of the most frequently used questionnaires, with special attention to its strengths and limitations. Moreover, we discuss whether PSG or PG would be more preferred for confirming OSA diagnosis with the highest likelihood.

The aim of this study is to provide a brief summary of the epidemiological data on obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) diagnosis and therapy in different regions of Poland from 2010 to 2019. We performed a retrospective study in the sleep center of the Department of Sleep Medicine and Metabolic Disorders, Medical University of Lodz, Poland. We requested data from the National Health Service concerning the number of new diagnoses of OSAS, the polysomnographies (PSGs) that were performed, and reimbursements of positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy in each region of Poland in the period 2010–2019. The constant increase in the number of polysomnographies performed and PAP reimbursements suggests the need to create a national network between regional sleep centers to provide proper care for patients with OSAS, and PAP therapy.

Background The ratio of the second finger length to the fourth finger length (2D:4D ratio) is considered to be negatively correlated with prenatal androgen exposure (PAE) and positively correlated with prenatal estrogen. Coincidentally, various brain regions are sensitive to PAE, and their functions in adults may be influenced by the prenatal actions of sex hormones. Objective This study aims to assess the relationship between PAE (indicated by the 2D:4D ratio) and various physiological (sex hormone levels and sleep-wake parameters), psychological (mental health), and sexual parameters in healthy young adults. Methods This study consists of two phases. In phase 1, we will conduct a survey-based study and anthropometric assessments (including 2D:4D ratio and BMI) in healthy young adults. Using validated questionnaires, we will collect self-reported data on sleep quality, sexual function, sleep chronotype, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. In phase 2, a subsample of phase 1 will undergo polysomnography and physiological and genetic assessments. Sleep architecture data will be obtained using portable polysomnography. The levels of testosterone, estradiol, progesterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, melatonin, and circadian regulatory proteins (circadian locomotor output cycles kaput [CLOCK], timeless [TIM], and period [PER]) and the expression levels of some miRNAs will be measured using blood samples. The rest and activity cycle will be monitored using actigraphy for a 7-day period. Results In Poland, 720 participants were recruited for phase 1. Among these, 140 completed anthropometric measurements. In addition, 25 participants joined and completed phase 2 data collection. Recruitment from other sites will follow. Conclusions Findings from our study may help to better understand the plausible role of PAE in sleep physiology, mental health, and sexual quality of life in young adults. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/29199

UNSTRUCTURED Background The ratio of second finger length to fourth finger length (2D:4D) is considered to be a negative correlate of prenatal androgen exposure and a positive correlate of prenatal oestrogen. Therefore males, on average, have a lower value of 2D:4D ratio as compared to females. Coincidentally, various brain regions are sensitive to prenatal androgen exposure, and their function in adulthood may be influenced by these prenatal actions of sex hormones. An example of such a brain region is the preoptic area which is involved in sleep and sexual functions. The objective of this study is to assess the relationship between prenatal androgen exposure (indicated by the 2D:4D ratio) and various physiological (sex hormone levels, sleep-wake parameters), psychological (mental health), as well as sexual parameters in young healthy adults. Methods The study consists of two phases: 1. In Phase I, we will conduct a survey-based study and anthropometric assessments (including 2D:4D ratio, body mass index) in healthy young adults. Using validated questionnaires, we will collect self-report data on sleep quality, sexual function, sleep chronotype, anxiety and depressive symptoms. 2. In Phase II, a sub-sample of Phase I will have polysomnography, physiological and genetic assessments. The sample recruited to this phase will comprise 100 healthy adults in each institution involved. Sleep architecture data will be obtained using a portable polysomnography. Venous blood will be drawn before and after polysomnograpy night and urine sample will be obtained in the morning. The level of testosterone, estradiol, progesterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, prolactin, melatonin and circadian regulatory proteins (CLOCK, TIM, PER) and a few miRNAs expression level, will be measured. The rest and activity cycle will be monitored using an actigraphy for a 7 days period. Discussion The impact of the study may help to better understand the role of plausible prenatal androgen exposure on sleep physiology, mental health and sexual quality of life in young adults.