Differential sleep subtypes in children with OSA of different ages

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the variations in sleep architecture and types of sleep disturbances in preschool and school-age children diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Methods

Children who underwent polysomnography (PSG) were enrolled and divided into two groups based on age: a preschool group and a school-age group. We analyzed differences in sleep architecture and types of sleep disturbances between these groups.

Results

Total sleep time was significantly higher in the preschool group compared to the school-age group (P < 0.05). The percentage of Stage N1 sleep (N1%) was also higher in the preschool group (p < 0.05). Conversely, the percentage of Stage N2 sleep (N2%) was lower in the preschool group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the average and minimum heart rates were higher in the preschool group, while the minimum oxygen saturation, including during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and REM stages, was lower compared to the school-age group (P < 0.05). The prevalence of positional OSA (P-OSA) was lower, and the prevalence of REM OSA (R-OSA) was higher in the preschool group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The prevalence of P-OSA was lower, and R-OSA was higher in preschool children compared to school-age children. Furthermore, the types of sleep disturbances in preschool children with OSA showed significant differences from those in school-age children with OSA.