Determining the relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

According to the literature, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is often associated with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). These conditions have a bidirectional relationship and negatively influence each other’s course. Unfortunately, in Ukraine, due to martial law, the number of patients with PTSD is increasing, and many of them may also have OSAS. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the cause-and-effect relationship between OSAS and the progression of PTSD. The research was conducted as a cohort study using the Berlin Questionnaire. A total of 84 servicemen diagnosed with PTSD and undergoing rehabilitation treatment were examined. Among them, 15 patients (17.8 %) directly reported snoring. Complaints of daytime sleepiness were noted in 30 cases (35.7 %), while 80 out of 84 participants (95.2 %) reported poor sleep with frequent awakenings and nightmares. To assess the possibility of obstructive sleep disorders, the Berlin Questionnaire was given to patients. According to the results, high risk was detected in 45.2 % of cases. Timely diagnosis and treatment of OSAS in patients with PTSD are crucial, as undiagnosed and untreated sleep apnea can negatively impact the effectiveness of PTSD treatment and significantly reduce patients’ quality of life.