Purpose Obesity and biochemical parameters of metabolic
disorders are both closely related to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The aim of this study was to compare sleep
architecture and OSA in obese children with and without
metabolic syndrome.
Methods Forty-two children with metabolic syndrome
were selected as case group and 38 children without metabolic syndrome were matched for age, sex, and BMI as
control group. The standardized Persian version of bedtime
problems, excessive daytime sleepiness, awakenings during the night, regularity and duration of sleep, snoring
(BEARS) and Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaires
were completed, and polysomnography (PSG) was performed for all study subjects. Scoring was performed using
the manual of American Academy of Sleep Medicine for
children. Data were analyzed using chi-square test, T test,
Mann–Whitney U test, and logistic regression analysis.
Results Non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and N1
stage in the case group were significantly longer than the
control group, while REM sleep was significantly shorter.
Waking after sleep onset (WASO) was significantly different
between two groups. Severe OSA was more frequent in the
control group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis
showed that severe OSA (OR 21.478, 95 % CI 2.160–
213.600; P = 0.009) and REM sleep (OR 0.856, 95 % CI
0.737–0.994; P = 0.041) had independent association with
metabolic syndrome.
Conclusions Obese children with metabolic syndrome had
increased WASO, N1 sleep stage, and severe OSA. But the
results regarding sleep architecture are most likely a direct
result of OSA severity. More longitudinal studies are needed
to confirm the association of metabolic syndrome and OSA.
Keywords Metabolic syndrome X . Obesity . Obstructive
sleep apnea . Sleep stages . Polysomnograph
