Authors:
Simpson L, McArdle N, Eastwood PR, Ward KL, Cooper MN, Wilson AC, et al.
Authors notes:
J Clin Sleep Med. 2015;11(10):1091-9A
Keywords:
Cardio metabolic, Exercise, Occupation, Sleep disordered breathing, Weight
Abstract:
Study Objectives: To investigate whether low levels of physical activity were associated with an increased occurrence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), OSA-related symptoms, and cardiometabolic risk.
Methods: A case-control study design was used.
OSA cases were patients referred to a sleep clinic for suspected OSA (n = 2,340).
Controls comprised participants from the Busselton community (n = 1,931).
Exercise and occupational activity were derived from questionnaire data.
Associations were modelled using logistic and linear regression and adjusted for confounders.
Results: In comparison with moderate exercise, the high, low, and nil exercise groups had an odds ratio (OR) for moderate-severe OSA of 0.6, 1.6, and 2.7, respectively.
Relative to men in heavy activity occupations, men in medium, light and sedentary occupations had an OR for moderate-severe OSA of 1.7, 2.1, and 1.8, respectively.
Relative to women in medium activity occupations, women in light and sedentary occupations had an OR for moderate-severe OSA of 4.2 and 3.5.
OSA patients who adequately exercised had lower: levels of doctor-diagnosed depression; symptoms of fatigue; systolic and diastolic blood pressure; and C-reactive protein (CRP).
Conclusions: Low levels of physical activity were associated with moderate-severe OSA.
Exercise in individuals with OSA is associated with lower levels of depression, fatigue, blood pressure and CRP.