Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS), Metabolic Syndrome and Mental Health in Small Enterprise Workers. Feasibility of an Action for Health

Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine the frequency of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), metabolic syndrome and common mental disorders in the working population of 11 small enterprises and the feasibility of a program of action for health.MethodThe clinical risk of OSAS, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome, and the level of psychological disorders were assessed during routine medical examination at the workplace in 2012. The response to medical advice was assessed in 2013.Results12.3% of the workers were suspected of being affected by OSAS. One or more components of metabolic syndrome were present in 24.5% of cases. OSAS in “healthy” workers was significantly associated with the presence of one or more components of metabolic syndrome (OR = 3.83; 95%CI 1.45–10.13) and with a psychological disorders score in the highest quartile (OR = 4.67; 95%CI = 1.72–12.64). Workers with suspected OSAS were reluctant to follow advice about undergoing further tests under the NHS. However, in some cases, confirmation of the OSAS diagnosis and subsequent treatment led to an improvement in metabolic condition.ConclusionAlthough participation in treatment was limited, anecdotal cases support the idea that prevention of obstructive sleep apnea in the workplace might be useful for workers’ health.

Work Stress and Metabolic Syndrome in Police Officers. A Prospective Study

“…Work shifts, which often require overtime, were rotated but there were no night shifts. The presence of sleep problems was screened through questionnaires on sleep quantity/quality and excessive daytime sleepiness, plus medical examination, according to a validated protocol [ 27 ]. Socio-demographic parameters, smoking habit and sleep problems were coded as binary variables.…”

Sleep, Health and Wellness at Work: A Scoping Review

“…A less well-known fact is that the level of wellbeing also deteriorates in individuals who suffer from pre-clinical, self-diagnosed sleep disorders. A 2014 study conducted in Italy demonstrated that workers with OSA report a level of psychological wellbeing below that of their healthy colleagues [ 94 ]. In an Australian cohort of more than 13,000 working-age males, self-diagnosed OSA had a prevalence of between 2.2% and 7.8% in the various age groups and was significantly associated with poor subjective wellbeing and reduced work ability, concentration and memory, as well as with cardiovascular risk factors [ 95 ].…”

Sleepiness, Safety and Transport

“…Firstly, the prevalence of OSAS is rather high in the general population, as it ranges between 2% and 4% [71]. In selected populations the prevalence of OSAS has been reported to range from 12% [72] to 26% [73] or even 50% [74].…”