Sleep Apnea Treatment Helps Sex Offenders' Aggression

Ivanhoe Newswire
Tuesday, November 28, 2006; 12:00 AM

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Treating sleep apnea in sex offenders may reduce their aggression.

Sex offenders can often be impulsive, hostile and aggressive. A new study from the University of Ottawa in Canada reveals those with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have more dangerous psychological symptoms than those with normal sleep patterns.

OSA is a sleep disorder characterized by periods when the patients stop breathing while they are asleep because of a blocked airway. A disruption in normal sleep may be associated with more irritability and aggression.

During the study, sex offenders with OSA were treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). CPAP forces compressed air into the nose and/or mouth through a respiratory mask while the patient sleeps. Study participants scored themselves based on their anger, verbal aggression, hostility, and physical aggression before and after treatment.

The study shows participants scored themselves much better after the CPAP treatment, but it is not clear whether the treatment will lead to changes in their behavior.

The authors conclude, "The current study shows a potentially important relationship between sleep and aggression and supports the need for further investigation of sleep disorders and disordered sexual behavior."

This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.

SOURCE: Journal of Forensic Sciences, 2006;51:1178-1181