Excessive Daytime Sleepiness as an Indicator of Depression in Hispanic Americans

Abstract

Introduction: Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) has been shown to be associated with depression; however, this relationship has not been confirmed among Hispanic Americans. Method: This study examined the link between EDS and depression among Hispanic Americans ( N = 411) and explored the potential moderating roles of age, gender, income, education, health status, and acculturation. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Patient Health Questionnaire–9 measured EDS and depression, respectively. Results: Hierarchical linear regression demonstrated that EDS was significantly related to depression. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis suggested that the Epworth Sleepiness Scale discriminated with adequate sensitivity and specificity between participants with moderately severe depression and those with less severe symptoms. No sociodemographic variables moderated the EDS–depression relationship. Conclusion: These findings suggest that depression should be considered when Hispanic Americans present with EDS.