Study Says Air Pollution Worsens Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts.

  • A new study has said that air pollution can increase the risk and severity of obstructive sleep apnea.
    A new study has said that air pollution can increase the risk and severity of obstructive sleep apnea.
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  • It is a sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. The condition affects 18 million people just in the US.
    It is a sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. The condition affects 18 million people just in the US.
  • As per the research, exposure to persistently high levels of air pollution can cause systemic inflammation.
    As per the research, exposure to persistently high levels of air pollution can cause systemic inflammation.
  • It also causes oxidative stress, potentially leading to or worsening upper airway dysfunction during sleep.
    It also causes oxidative stress, potentially leading to or worsening upper airway dysfunction during sleep.
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  • For the study, experts carried out a systemic review and meta-analysis of 12 studies.
    For the study, experts carried out a systemic review and meta-analysis of 12 studies.
  • They found that air pollutants, especially NO2, might play a role in worsening sleep apnea risk and severity.
    They found that air pollutants, especially NO2, might play a role in worsening sleep apnea risk and severity.
  • NO2 is part of a group of gaseous air pollutants produced because of road traffic and other fossil fuel combustion processes.
    NO2 is part of a group of gaseous air pollutants produced because of road traffic and other fossil fuel combustion processes.
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  • The researchers said that this discovery has significant implications for clinical practice.
    The researchers said that this discovery has significant implications for clinical practice.
  • Sleep apnea also leads to several health complications, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension and impaired cognitive function.
    Sleep apnea also leads to several health complications, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension and impaired cognitive function.
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