Being active reduces the risk of developing obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and is associated with a better cardiometabolic profile, according to a new study published in the European Respiratory Journal.
The study aimed to examine the incidence of OSA in relation to physical activity, and looked at its role as a protective factor in individuals with OSA on the development of cardiometabolic diseases in an 8-9 year follow up.
The researchers analysed data from 658 volunteers from the Sao Paulo Epidemiologic Sleep Study. Data was collected through polysomnography, an international physical activity questionnaire and an assessment of cardiometabolic profile.
Analysis showed that participants with higher levels of physical activity had a lower risk of developing OSA compared to non-active participants.
Increased activity was also associated with a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes; the researchers say this suggests that physical activity could be a protective factor against type 2 diabetes in apnoeic patients.
Further, metabolic equivalent was negatively associated with cardiometabolic markers, such as C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, insulin, triglycerides, and mean arterial pressure.
The researchers note that the reliance on questionnaire data for identifying the presence of cardiometabolic diseases limits the study to a degree.