Study Reveals: Air Pollution Increases Risks of Sleep Apnea

SadaNews - A recent large-scale study revealed that individuals living in areas with high levels of air pollution may be at an increased risk of developing sleep apnea. In this context, a report published by "New Atlas" noted that awareness of air quality could mitigate this risk and improve sleep patterns and health factors in 25 cities across 14 countries.

The "European Respiratory Society" recently published the results of research led by Martino Bengo, an associate professor at the University of Milan-Bicocca in Madrid, which involved analyzing data from 19,325 patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) residing in 25 different European cities. Simultaneously, the researchers obtained air quality records from the "Copernicus" Atmospheric Monitoring Service (CAMS).

Bengo, who presented the new research at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) conference, stated, "It is known that obstructive sleep apnea is more common among the elderly and those who are overweight, but there is increasing concern that air pollution can also exacerbate this condition." He added that results from previous studies, which mostly focused on only one country, yielded varying results. He revealed that he and his fellow researchers sought to study this matter on a broader scale across several European cities to understand how air pollution affects sleep apnea.

Amount of Fine Particles

The air quality data examined by the researchers included records on the PM10 index in the cities involved in the study. The PM10 index is defined as the quantity of fine particles with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less that are emitted into the air from modern pollutants such as car exhaust and factories.

The research team found that for every one-unit increase in PM10 levels, there was an average increase of 0.41 respiratory disturbances per hour of sleep. Although this ratio is small at the individual level, it is significant at the collective level. On average, individuals in low-pollution areas had lower rates of obstructive sleep apnea, while those in higher-pollution areas had significantly worse outcomes. In this context, Bengo said, "The relationship between long-term average exposure to air pollution, specifically fine particles known as PM10, and the severity of obstructive sleep apnea has been confirmed."

This study adds to the growing body of evidence indicating that environmental factors, such as air quality, seasonal changes, and temperature, play a crucial role in the severity of sleep apnea. Bengo noted, "One of the most interesting findings is that the link between air pollution and the severity of sleep apnea was not the same across all European regions. In some cities, the effect was stronger, while in others, it was weaker or even absent. These regional differences can be attributed to factors such as local climate, type of pollution, or even how healthcare systems diagnose sleep apnea."

For her part, Professor Sofia Chiza, head of the ESR group focused on sleep apnea disorders at the University of Crete, stated, "For doctors caring for patients with sleep apnea, this research highlights the necessity of considering environmental factors, such as air quality, alongside other risk factors." She added, "This study reinforces the connection between environmental health and sleep medicine. It reminds us that addressing air pollution is beneficial for the planet, of course, but it is also essential for human lungs and sleep quality."

It is worth noting that sleep apnea has dire health consequences, including an increased risk of hypertension, heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure. If left untreated, it can lead to type 2 diabetes, depression, and cognitive impairments. Using indoor air purifiers can help reduce the risk of severe obstructive sleep apnea caused by pollution.