Self-reported view on work capacity predicts abnormal Oxford Sleep Resistance Test results in patients with obstructive sleep apnea

Study Objectives: The Oxford Sleep Resistance Test is an objective vigilance test based on behavior. It is a modified version of the maintenance of wakefulness test and is considered less burdensome and less expensive than the maintenance of wakefulness test. Although professional drivers with obstructive sleep apnea in Europe must be assessed for their ability to maintain adequate wakefulness on a yearly basis, Oxford Sleep Resistance Test results are usually normal in this population. In this retrospective observational study, we searched for predictive factors of abnormal Oxford Sleep Resistance Test sleep latency.

Methods: We included 1,071 Oxford Sleep Resistance Test results of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (95% men, aged 21-74 years). Mean sleep latency < 40 minutes was considered abnormal.

Results: Sleep latency was abnormal in 12.0% of tests. Participants at risk for abnormal test results self-reported as being sleepy, depressed, on sick leave, unemployed, or retired or considered themselves unable to work. In a logistic regression model, the self-reported view on work capacity was the most important predictor of abnormal Oxford Sleep Resistance Test sleep latency (odds ratio, 3.5). Ongoing sick leave was also an important predictor for abnormal test results.

Conclusions: A self-reported good ability to work predicts that a patient with sleep apnea can maintain wakefulness in a vigilance test. This may help in reducing the increasing challenge with frequent tests.