Excessive daytime sleepiness of the Brazilian emperor Dom Pedro II probably due to sleep apnea syndrome

Abstract

-Objective: To show that the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) was the probable cause of D. Pedro II's excessive daytime sleepiness. Method: Research of historical documents and bibliographical. Results: The excessive daytime sleepiness of D. Pedro II (1825-1891) was well known and bitterly criticized behavior by oppositionist magazines; it was also recognized by his peers. He would fall asleep in public places such as the theater and while attending lectures. As a youth, he was of normal complexion, putting on weight (obesity) at middle years. Conclusion: The possibility of this diagnosis is particularly relevant in this case because it points to an organic cause for D. Pedro II daytime naps and excessive daytime sleepiness. It could be the result of OSAS and not "disinterest" as erroneously assumed at that time.Key WORDS: sleep, sleep disorders, sleep apnea, history of neurology, D. Pedro II. Sonolência diurna excessiva de Dom Pedro II do Brasil devida provavelmente à síndrome de apnéia do sonoResumo -Objetivo: evidenciar a síndrome de apnéia do sono tipo obstrutivo (SASO) como provável causa da sonolência diurna excessiva de D. Pedro II. Método: Pesquisa de documentos históricos e bibliográfica. Resultados: A sonolência diurna excessiva de D. Pedro II (1825-1891) era bem conhecida e criticada enfaticamente pelas revistas oposicionistas, era também reconhecida pelos seus pares. ele adormecia em lugares públicos como no teatro e ao assistir aulas. Como jovem ele tinha compleição normal, ganhando peso (obesidade) na meia idade. Conclusão: A possibilidade deste diagnóstico é particularmente relevante neste caso porque aponta para uma causa orgânica para os cochilos diurnos e a sonolência diurna excessiva. Pode se dever à SASO e não ao "desinteresse" como erroneamente admitido naquela época.PAlAvRAS-CHAve: sono, distúrbios do sono, apnéia do sono, história da neurologia, D. Pedro II.

The physician, the Emperor and the fibromyalgia: Charles-Édouard Brown-Séquard (1817–1894) and Dom Pedro II (1825–1891) of Brazil

“…2 From childhood he suffered seizures as did his predecessors and his descendants and he suffered excessive sleepiness although a neurological explanation was not found. 2,12,13 Diabetic, he was referred to important doctors in Europe including Charles Bouchard (1837-1915), Jean-Martin Charcot (1825-1893) and Brown-Se´quard. 7,13,14,15 In 1891 Dom Pedro II died of pneumonia, in exile in Paris.…”

“…2,12,13 Diabetic, he was referred to important doctors in Europe including Charles Bouchard (1837-1915), Jean-Martin Charcot (1825-1893) and Brown-Se´quard. 7,13,14,15 In 1891 Dom Pedro II died of pneumonia, in exile in Paris. 16 It seems that his last journey was to the Paris Academy of Sciences.…”