Relationship between severity of GERD and daytime sleepiness

• Published in: Zeitschrift für Gastroenterologie
• Main Authors: Demeter, P, Vardi Visy, K, Sike, R, Toth, GT, Novak, J, Gyulai, N, Magyar, P
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: German
• Published: 19.05.2004
• ISSN: 0044-2771; 1439-7803
• DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-827128

Aim: Some epidemiological studies have suggested a relationship between GERD and daytime sleepiness. In this study we focus on one of the important cognitive functions, on daytime sleepiness and its relation to the severity of GERD. Methods: The study was conducted by a gastroenterologist in two centers. The patients were referred for upper panendoscopy with the typical symptoms of GERD untreated. Psychiatric patients or those who took sedato-hypnotics and shift workers were excluded. The classification of GERD was based on endoscopic findings. We used the conventional Savary-Miller classification of the disease. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) was used as an indicator of daytime sleepiness. The relationship between the severity of the reflux disease and daytime somnolence was analyzed with the help of multivariate regression analysis. Results: A positive tendency was found between the severity of the reflux disease and the corresponding Epworth Sleepiness Scale. In the case of the more severe type – Savary-Miller III – at least a mild hypersomnia was found. For this group daytime somnolence was significantly higher than in the case of the non-erosive type of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease representing the mildest stage of reflux disease. Conclusion: The severity of gastroesophageal reflux disease influences daytime sleepiness.