Physical activity is associated with reduced prevalence of self-reported obstructive sleep apnea in a large, general population cohort study

Abstract

Study Objectives: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common condition with significant symptoms and long-term adverse cognitive, mental health, vascular, and respiratory sequelae. Physical activity has been recognized as a key determinant for good health and has been associated with lower risk of these sequelae. We hypothesized that increased physical activity may be associated with a decreased prevalence of OSA. Methods: This cross-sectional study used baseline questionnaire data from the Ontario Health Study, a population-based cohort of residents of Ontario, Canada. Participants were adults who provided lifestyle, medical, socio-demographic, and sleep health information. The study sample consisted of 155,448 men (39.8%) and women (60.2%). The prevalence of physician-diagnosed OSA in this cohort was 6.9%. Logistic regression models were used to investigate the association of OSA with physical activity. Missing data were imputed using a multiple imputation by chained equation approach. Results: In multivariable analyses adjusted for potential confounding factors, increased total physical activity (metabolic equivalent [h/wk]) (odds ratio [OR] = .98, 95% confidence interval [CI] = .96 to 1.00), vigorous-intensity activity (OR = .98, 95% CI = .97 to 1.00), and walking (OR = .98, 95% CI = .96 to 1.00) were all associated (all P ≤ .045) with decreased prevalence of OSA. Moderate-intensity activity was not associated with risk of OSA (P = .826). Conclusions: Independent of known risk factors for OSA, including body mass index, increased levels of physical activity, including walking, were associated with a prevalence of OSA. Our results highlight the importance of physical activity as a preventive measure for sleep apnea.

Compared to Individuals with Mild to Moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), Individuals with Severe OSA Had Higher BMI and Respiratory-Disturbance Scores

“…Regular physical activity is considered a key intervention to reduce body weight, raising the question of whether regular physical activity interventions could favorably impact OSA indices. Research on this question has yielded mixed results; while some studies suggest regular physical activity as an evidence-based method to reduce OSA indices via decreased body weight [ 53 ], others were more cautious [ 54 , 55 , 56 ]. However, given that regular physical activity is considered the “medicine” for a broad range of somatic [ 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 ] and psychological complaints [ 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 ], including insomnia and further sleep complaints [ 70 , 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 , 75 , 76 , 77 , 78 ], applying appropriately designed regimens of physical activity in OSA treatment protocols would be warranted if there are no significant contraindications.…”

Effects of Exercise on Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Physical activity and exercise have long been recognized as key determinants of health [ 17 , 18 ] and are especially helpful in preventing chronic diseases [ 19 ]. OSA frequently coexists with other chronic diseases, and they share many risk factors; exercise may potentially be an efficacious and cost-effective method for OSA.…”

Association of healthy lifestyle with risk of obstructive sleep apnea: a cross-sectional study

“…Recent studies have shown that lifestyle factors, including aerobic physical activity, diet, smoking, and alcohol drinking, were correlated with the occurrence and severity of OSA. Independent of known risk factors for OSA, increased levels of physical activity, including walking, were associated with a prevalence of OSA [ 8 ]. Simpson et al found that low levels of occupational activity and leisure exercise were associated with moderate-severe OSA in a study with case–control design [ 9 ].…”