Study discovers link between air pollution to sleep apnea

Can a person get Sleep Apnea from Air pollution?A new research paper that was recently published in the  Neurotoxicology Association’s association journal found that air pollution may worsen the risk and severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is an ailment marked by intermittent breathing interruptions during sleep.

The research paper acknowledges the absence  of definite evidence but points towards the possible links between air pollution and the heightened risks and seriousness of OSA. When someone has OSA, it means their upper airway keeps collapsing repeatedly while they’re asleep.These blockages cause repeated awakenings and significant drops in blood oxygen levels.

According to research in Neuro Toxicology, being exposed to consistently high levels of air pollution can trigger inflammation all over your body, leading to oxidative stress. The study says  “These pathophysiological changes are known to contribute to the development and exacerbation of respiratory disorders. In the context of OSA, air pollution may aggravate upper airway inflammation and dysfunction, thereby increasing the propensity for airway collapse during sleep.”

When we’re constantly surrounded by high levels of air pollution, it’s like our bodies are constantly under attack. This pollution doesn’t just affect our lungs; it causes inflammation all over the body,making it hard  to breathe properly, especially while trying to sleep.

The research led by Bijiya Kumar Padhi from Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh said :

“It is important to note that effects of air pollutants may vary based on the type of pollutant, duration of exposure, and individual susceptibility factors, including age, gender, and underlying health conditions.”

The researchers focused on a collection of 12 studies to dig deep into how air pollution connects with the risk and seriousness of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The researchers found that airborne pollutants, especially NO2, can possibly be amongst the air pollutants that trigger OSA and even make the condition worse. On the other hand, they also remarked that this fact is not definite at the moment.

An interesting point to mention is that NO2 is a member of a family of air pollutants in the sense that their origin can be traced to the road traffic and the burning of fossil fuels.The study added “Healthcare providers may need to consider environmental factors in OSA risk assessment and management. In high-pollution areas, clinicians could be advised to monitor patients more closely for OSA symptoms and consider environmental factors in the condition’s severity.”

Dr. J.C. Suri, who heads pulmonology, critical care, and sleep medicine at Fortis Hospital in Vasant Kunj, highlighted that OSA doesn’t discriminate based on age or gender; however, older adults and those carrying extra weight face a higher likelihood of being affected. He said “The above mentioned study doesn’t give out any direct evidence of a link between air pollution and OSA. We need more data to comment or act on its implications.” 

Research suggests that about 11% of adults in India deal with OSA, and it seems men have a higher risk at 13% compared to women at 5%.

Common indicators of OSA  include loud snoring, moments of choking or gasping while asleep, and a restless night’s sleep that results in daytime tiredness. This tiredness not only affects how productive we are at work but also raises the chances of road accidents.Over time, if OSA  is left untreated, patients become more vulnerable to conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, strokes, and metabolic disorders, as doctors point out.

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