Validation and Reliability Study of the Turkish Version of the Mayo Sleep Questionnaire

Abstract

Background: Isolated rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (iRBD), characterized by dream enactment behavior, is diagnosed based on the demonstration of REM sleep without atonia (RSWA) on video polysomnography (vPSG). Screening using validated questionnaires is crucial owing to the high burden and cost of vPSG. Therefore, this study investigated the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Mayo Sleep Questionnaire (MSQ-T). Methods: This national multicenter study was prospectively conducted in 13 accredited sleep clinics in Turkey. A total of 238 participants (51 with iRBD, 54 with obstructive sleep apnea, and 133 healthy controls) underwent a detailed clinical evaluation and full-night vPSG, and all completed the MSQ-T. The MSQ was translated into Turkish and back-translated into English, with high performance metrics. Results: Question 1 indicated that patients with a sleep disorder consistent with iRBD had sensitivities of 96.1% and 96.3% and specificities of 95.7% and 82.4%, respectively, when filled in by patients and bed partners. Questions 5and 6, which investigated OSA displayed sensitivities of 82.5% and 79.4% and specificities of 48.1% and 42.8%, respectively, when filled-in by patients and bed partners. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that MSQ-T has a high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of iRBD. Considering the importance of the early and accurate diagnosis of iRBD in implementing the risk of neurodegeneration, our results are encouraging for the use of the MSQ-T as a valid and reliable screening tool for iRBD and its discrimination from other sleep disorders. Copyright (c) 2026, Taiwan Society of Geriatric Emergency & Critical Care Medicine.