Sleep Quality, Relationship Functioning, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Partners of CPAP-Treated OSA Patients

Authors

  • Giulia Marafioti Orcid
    IRCCS Bonino-Pulejo Neurolesi Center, Messina, Italy
  • Enrica S. Vinci Orcid
    National Institute of Social Welfare, Medical Legal Center of Messina, Messina, Italy
  • Laura Culicetto Orcid
    IRCCS Bonino-Pulejo Neurolesi Center, Messina, Italy
  • Viviana Lo Buono Orcid
    IRCCS Bonino-Pulejo Neurolesi Center, Messina, Italy
  • Giovanni L. Cipriano Orcid
    IRCCS Bonino-Pulejo Neurolesi Center, Messina, Italy
  • Rosalia Silvestri Orcid
    Sleep Medicine Center, UOSD of Neurophysiopathology and Movement Disorders, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
  • Amelia Rizzo Orcid
    National Institute of Social Welfare, Medical Legal Center of Messina, Messina, Italy

Abstract

Background: Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is a chronic condition that negatively affects not only the patient but also the partner, influencing their sleep quality, psychological well-being, and couple relationship. However, scientific literature has given little attention to the partner's experience, especially regarding the impact of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) treatment on their partners’ health. The aim of the present study is to investigate sleep quality, couple relationship quality, and quality of life (QoL) in Italian-speaking partners of patients with OSAS treated with CPAP, compared to partners of healthy individuals. Method: The study involved 100 participants, with a final sample of 48 partners of OSA patients and 49 partners of healthy subjects as a control group, assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), and the SF-36 Health Survey. Statistical analysis included independent samples t-tests and Pearson’s correlations. Results: Partners of patients with OSAS reported significantly poorer sleep quality (PSQI), lower levels of dyadic consensus and cohesion (DAS), and reduced perception of physical and mental health (SF-36) compared to the control group. Correlations revealed that sleep quality was negatively associated with relationship quality and perceived health, while years of relationship were positively associated with affection and cohesion, but negatively with sleep quality. Conclusions: The findings confirm the interconnection between sleep quality and relationship functioning. A clinical approach that includes the partner in OSA treatment pathways may improve the overall well-being of the dyad.