Obstructive sleep apnea linked with low bone mineral density: Study

USA: Adults with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have low bone mineral density than those without OSA, a recent study published in the Journal of Craniomandibular & Sleep Practice has shown. 

The findings are crucial for individuals with sleep apnea, as low bone mineral density is an indicator of osteoporosis-a condition in which bones become weak and brittle. In addition to increasing the risk of fractures, low bone mineral density also impacts oral health, causing teeth to become loose and dental implants to fail, says senior author Thikriat Al-Jewair, DDS, associate professor of orthodontics in the UB School of Dental Medicine and director of the school’s Advanced Education Program in Orthodontics.

The researchers at University at Buffalo used cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)-a type of X-ray-to measure bone density in the head and neck of 38 adult participants, half of whom had obstructive sleep apnea.

When controlling for age, sex and weight, the participants with obstructive sleep apnea had significantly lower bone mineral density than those without the condition.

Obstructive sleep apnea, which is characterized by difficulty breathing while asleep, can cause hypoxia (low levels of oxygen in the body), inflammation, oxidative stress and shortened breathing patterns. Each of these symptoms may have a chronic negative effect on bone metabolism and, ultimately, bone density, says Al-Jewair.