LAUSR

Adult sleep disorders are associated with adverse health effects including reduced quality of life and increased mortality. However, there is a paucity of data on sleep disorders in young adulthood. We undertook a cross-sectional observational study of 1,227 young adults participating in the Western Australian Pregnancy (Raine) Study (2012-2014) to describe the prevalence of common sleep disorders in young adults. We used in-laboratory polysomnography (PSG) and validated survey methods, including the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Pittsburgh Sleep Symptom Questionnaire-Insomnia and International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group criteria. 1,146 completed a core questionnaire, 1,051 completed a sleep-focused questionnaire and 935 had analysable PSG data. Participants had a mean age of 22.2 years and male to female ratio of 1 to 1.1. The prevalence of OSA [apnoea hypopnoea index (AHI): ≥5events/hour] was 20.8% (95%CI: 18.2 to 23.6) and this was usually of mild severity (AHI:≥5 to<15events/hour, 17.1%). OSA syndrome (AHI≥5 events/hour and ESS≥11) was found in 2.8% (95%CI: 1.9 to 4.1). Chronic insomnia was present in 16.6% (95%CI: 14.7 to 19.4). Restless legs syndrome was present in 2.9% (95%CI: 2.0 to 4.0) and abnormal periodic leg movements during sleep (>5 movements/hour) in 9.1% (95%CI: 7.3 to 11.1). In those participants who had complete data on all sleep-related assessments (n=841), at least one sleep disorder was present in 42.6%. Sleep disorders are very common in young adults. Health practitioners should be aware of these high prevalences, as early identification and treatment can improve quality of life and may reduce later morbidity and mortality.