Different Methods for Evaluating Daytime Tiredness in Snoring Men

Abstract

Many snorers complain of daytime tiredness and reduced mental energy. In 42 middle-aged snoring men, the results of sections relating to mental energy in 2 quality-of-life instruments, energy in the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) and vitality in the Psychological General Well-Being (PGWB) questionnaire, were compared with those of population samples. The snorers were significantly more tired than the population samples ( p <0.001). The scores for the NHP and PGWB were then correlated with a visual analogue scale (VAS) of drowsiness. The correlation coefficient between NHP (energy) and the corresponding VAS value was r =0.52 ( p <0.001). The correlation coefficient between PGWB (vitality) and the VAS value for drowsiness was r =-0.56 ( p <0.001). When nasal breathing was improved with the use of the Nozovent nostril dilator at night for 1 month, NHP (energy) and the VAS value for drowsiness improved significantly ( p <0.001). A single VAS value for drowsiness is a good instrument for evaluating daytime tiredness and for measuring the clinical effect of treatment in snorers.

• Alertness Drowsiness Nottingham Health Profile Psychological General Well-BEING Questionnaire Snoring Men Visual Analogue Scale