[Prevalence of sleep symptoms and risk of obstructive sleep apnea in Mexico.]

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of sleep related symptoms (SRS) in Mexico, and their distribution by region, urbanization and gender.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study using a national probabilistic sample among adults over 20 years old. We applied the Berlin questionnaire for sleep apnea risk (OSA) and questions on sleep duration, insomnia and sedative use.

RESULTS: The most frequent SRS were snoring 48.5% and difficulty falling asleep 36.9%. High risk for OSA was found in 27.3% of adults, increases with BMI (OR=1.1), age (OR=1.03) and urban residence (OR=1.37). Insomnia was in 18.8% with female predominance (OR=1.91). Average sleep time was 7.6 ±3 hours; 28.4% of adults sleep <7 h/night.

CONCLUSIONS: SRS are highly prevalent. One in four Mexican adults have an elevated risk for OSA. Their detection and treatment could minimize detrimental health outcomes for them.