Summary:
Introduction: Sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) activate the hypothalamic pituitary
adrenal axis (HPA), resulting in dysfunctional stress. The purpose of this
study is to assess the possibility to reduce the daily sleepiness, perceived
stress and to increase the quality of sleep through techniques of diaphragmatic
breathing, progressive muscle relaxation and guided visualization. Methodology:
A randomized clinical study was conducted on a sample of 60 SAS patients under
CPAP treatment, who were divided randomly into two groups. The intervention
group (N = 30) attended a stress management program and health promotion
lasting eight weeks, while the control group (N = 30) in the same time were not
received any intervention. Results: Compared to the control group, in the
intervention group was found a decrease in daytime sleepiness (p =0.028*, Z =
0.28) and perceived stress (p =0.000*, Z = 0.64), but no increase in sleep
quality. A decrease was observed in subscales of stress (p =0,000*, Z = 0.60),
depressive symptoms (p =0.006*, Z = 0.35), and anxiety (p =0.001*, Z = 0.43) as
measured with DASS-21. As to other variables tested, was observed an increase
in: the internal locus of control (p =0.000*, Z = 0.50), healthy dietary
choices (p =0.000*, Z = 0.54), dietary harm avoidance (p =0.002*, Z = 0.41),
organized program / sleep routine (p =0.000*, Z = 0.61), physical activity (p
=0.000*, Z = 0.84) and social support/mental control (p =0,000*, Z =0.64).
Conclusions: Intervention programs for stress management can reduce daytime
sleepiness and perceived stress in patients with SAS.
Keywords:
Syndrome sleep apnea, Daytime sleepiness, Perceived stress, Stress management