0462 Impacts of Excessive Sleepiness Associated With Obstructive Sleep Apnea on Work Productivity

Abstract Introduction Scant research has examined the occupational impacts of excessive sleepiness (ES) associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), beyond increased accident risk among commercial drivers. This study assessed the impact of ES with OSA on productivity across diverse work settings. Methods Semi-structured 2-hour focus groups, segmented by gender, were conducted with 42 participants who experienced ES with OSA in three US cities. Transcripts were coded using qualitative analysis software and analyzed for thematic content using an adapted grounded theory approach, which is standard in qualitative research. An independent central institutional review board, Copernicus Group Independent Review Board, approved the study. Informed consent was obtained from all participants. Results All 42 participants reported either currently (n=30, 71%) or previously (n=12, 29%) experiencing ES-related work impacts, including difficulty staying awake (n=29, 69%), difficulty completing detail-oriented tasks, (n=22, 52%), and decrease in overall productivity (n=15, 36%). Nineteen participants (45%) reported work-related ES symptom triggers, including attending meetings/presentations (n=9, 22%), sitting for extended periods (n=9, 21%), and computer work (n=6, 14%). Ten participants (24%) reported that symptoms had been noticed by their boss or coworkers; five (12%) subsequently experienced disciplinary action, including employment termination (n=3, 7%). Strategies for managing ES included consuming caffeine (n=17, 40%), power naps (n=15, 36%), planning the work day around symptoms (n=10, 24%), and breaks for light physical activity (n=7, 17%). Eleven (26%) participants reported that ES affected the type of work they could do or their choice of occupation. Notably, of those currently experiencing ES-related work impacts (n=30), the majority also currently used CPAP (n=16, 53%) or an oral device (n=5, 17%); nearly half (n=14, 47%) of these participants slept an average of at least 7 hours per night. Conclusion Study findings suggest that ES with OSA may affect work productivity. Future research should quantitatively assess this further, and explore treatments and interventions to help patients manage ES in their work lives. Support (If Any) Jazz Pharmaceuticals.