Plant-Based Diets Associated with Reduced Risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Study

A recent study published in the European Respiratory Society uncovered a potentially significant link between plant-based diets and the risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The study explored on how dietary choices may influence sleep health in individuals who struggle with obesity and OSA.

Obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep due to obstructed airways and is often associated with obesity. While weight loss and exercise have been recommended management options, the research suggests that the quality of one's diet might also play a critical role in reducing OSA risk.

This comprehensive study analyzed the cross-sectional data from a total of 14,210 participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and focused on three plant-based dietary indices (PDI) as the healthy (hPDI), unhealthy (uPDI) and pro-vegetarian diet index (PVDI). The participants provided dietary information using the 24-hour recall method and utilizing the STOP-BANG questionnaire the OSA risk was assessed.

The findings revealed a significant association between adherence to plant-based diets and OSA risk. Higher adherence to healthy plant-based diets was associated with a reduced risk of OSA, while the consumption of unhealthy plant-based foods was linked to an increased risk. Interestingly, these associations varied by gender where males experienced more pronounced benefits from healthy plant-based diets when compared to females.

The study emphasized the importance of these outcomes in understanding the role of diet in sleep disorders which suggests that adopting a healthy plant-based diet may offer protective effects against obstructive sleep apnea in individuals struggling with obesity. Overall, this research provides valuable insights by unveiling the need for further longitudinal studies to confirm these associations and to explore potential mechanisms that are underlying the observed effects.

Reference:

Melaku, Y. A., Zhao, L., Adams, R., & Eckert, D. J. (2024). Plant-based and vegetarian diets are associated with reduced obstructive sleep apnoea risk. In ERJ Open Research (Vol. 10, Issue 2, pp. 00739–02023). European Respiratory Society (ERS). https://doi.org/10.1183/23120541.00739-2023