Obstructive sleep apnea: diet and lifestyle treatments

Abstract

Sleep disorders have become a public health concern in the modern society, affecting millions of people. Although, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of the most recognized sleep disorders, the majority of OSA still remain undiagnosed. Obesity is the most important risk factor for OSA and in fact, vast majority of OSA patients are obese. OSA as such, has been linked with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and OSA patients often display the cardiometabolic syndrome. The exact underlying mechanisms behind these associations are complex and not fully understood. In obese individuals, weight reduction and increased physical activity form the cornerstones for the prevention and treatment of cardiometabolic syndrome, and recent controlled intervention trials strongly suggest that weight reduction together with a healthy diet and increased physical activity may correct or at least improve the symptoms of OSA. However, regardless of promising results in terms of symptoms of OSA and the undoubted cardiometabolic benefits of changing lifestyles, weight reduction as a treatment of OSA is still underrated by many clinicians. Based on current knowledge, clinicians should review their previous attitudes, even suspicions about weight reduction as an effective treatment for OSA patients. Nevertheless, we do also need large well-controlled trials on the effects of different weight reduction programs among OSA patients to determine the overall efficacy of different treatment modalities and their long-term success.