logo
Global Warming May Fuel Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Global Warming May Fuel Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Medscape9 hours ago

Potential climate change scenarios could nearly double the global incidence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), based on estimates from a new study presented at American Thoracic Society (ATS) 2025 International Conference.
Although high ambient temperatures have been linked to negative health outcomes including reduced sleep duration and quality, the association between increased average ambient temperatures and the severity of OSA remains unclear, wrote Bastien Lechat, PhD, a research fellow in sleep health at Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia, and colleagues, in their abstract.
Previous cross-sectional studies have shown an association between temperature and OSA severity, which prompted the idea for the current study, Lechat said in an interview. 'We have access to a consumer database (125,295 users) of an FDA-cleared wearable device validated to estimate OSA severity,' he said. Given the unique nature of this dataset (with approximately 500 repeat measurements per user), the researchers believed that the data would be ideal for estimating the effect of temperature on OSA severity, he said. 'Additionally, considering the impact of obstructive sleep apnea on health and productivity, we aimed to estimate the burden associated with a potential increase in OSA prevalence due to rising temperatures, and this novel contribution from our group allowed us to quantify the societal and economic costs for different climate scenarios from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change,' he noted.
In their new cross-sectional study, the researchers reviewed data from 116,200 adults in 41 countries who used an FDA-approved under-mattress sensor to estimate the severity of their OSA. The dataset included a median of 509 OSA measurements per individual; these were compared against 24-hour ambient temperature data from climate models. The mean age of the study population was 49 years; 77% were men. OSA was defined as an apnea hypopnea index score ≥ 15.
The prevalence of OSA ranged from 15% to 32% across the countries. Overall, temperatures in the 99th percentile vs the 25th percentile were associated with a 70% increased risk for OSA (mean odds ratio, 1.70) and a 45% increase in odds of having OSA on any given night (mean odds ratio, 1.45).
The association was significant in 29 countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, but was stronger in European countries compared to the United States or Australia. However, across the 29 countries, the increase in OSA in 2023 associated with higher temperatures was estimated to account for an average of nearly 800,000 healthy life years lost because of death or disability, as well a mean loss of $32 billion USD in workplace productivity.
The researchers also developed scenarios based on projected temperature increases of at least 1.8°C or higher above pre-industrial levels. They determined that this increase would result in an additional 1.5- to 3-fold increase in the global burden of OSA by 2100.
'We were surprised by the magnitude of the association between ambient temperature and OSA severity,' Lechat told Medscape Medical News . 'The effect size was higher than in previous studies, which we believe is likely due to our longitudinal data and robust time-series analysis design. This provides support for a potential causal association between high temperature exposure and OSA severity,' he noted.
Takeaways and Implications
Lechat emphasized the two main findings from the study: That extreme temperatures are associated with an increased likelihood of having OSA on a given night, and the burden of OSA on society in terms of wellbeing loss and economic loss.
'To put this into context, by 2100, under the most likely climate scenario, the wellbeing burden of OSA is estimated to nearly double in most countries because of rising temperature,' Lechat told Medscape Medical News . 'These results highlight the critical urgency of limiting global warming in alignment with the Paris Agreement. Our findings also emphasize the immediate need for targeted measures to alleviate the health and economic impacts of the growing OSA prevalence associated with rising temperatures,' he said.
The results highlight the urgency of limiting global warming to reduce the burden of warming-related increases in OSA prevalence, as well as the need for effective interventions to reduce the impact of high temperatures on OSA severity, said Lechat. The study findings also emphasize the importance of diagnosing and treating OSA in the community, as most of the burden stems from the high rate of undiagnosed and untreated patients, he added.
The findings were limited by several factors including the cross-sectional design. 'Additionally, we had limited data from lower- and middle-income countries, so we plan to work towards collecting appropriate sleep and temperature data worldwide,' Lechat told Medscape Medical News .
'We would like to develop intervention studies to mitigate the effect of temperature on OSA, and we also would like to understand the physiological mechanisms that could explain the higher severity of OSA due to higher temperatures,' Lechat added.
Informing Management of Global OSA Burden
'High ambient temperatures have been linked to reduced sleep duration, increased sleep fragmentation, and poorer sleep quality; however, the effect of rising temperatures on obstructive sleep apnea has not been studied,' said Arianne K. Baldomero, MD, a pulmonologist and assistant professor of medicine at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, in an interview. 'Investigating this relationship is important, as the global burden of OSA is already significant; with further temperature increases, we can expect this burden to grow even greater,' said Baldomero, who was not involved in the study.
The difference in the magnitude of associations between European countries and the United States or Australia, with Europeans experiencing a stronger link between rising temperatures and OSA, was interesting and somewhat surprising, and warrants further investigation, Baldomero told Medscape Medical News . In the meantime, clinicians and public health officials should be aware that higher ambient temperatures are associated with increased OSA, she added.
The current study highlights the importance of early diagnosis and effective management of OSA, especially during warmer periods, said Baldomero. 'Ongoing research is needed on sleep disturbances associated with these warming temperature trends,' she said.
Limitations of the study included the reliance on under-mattress sensors that may not capture all OSA cases, Baldomero noted. 'Further research should explore physiological mechanisms, differences in magnitude of associations by region, and test interventions to mitigate temperature effects on OSA,' she said.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Metabolism Boosters: Foods, Supplements, and More
Metabolism Boosters: Foods, Supplements, and More

Health Line

time33 minutes ago

  • Health Line

Metabolism Boosters: Foods, Supplements, and More

Following a nutritious diet, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep help regulate your metabolism. Some foods, like hot peppers, and supplements, like caffeine, may also help improve it. Metabolism is a series of reactions that occur in the body to provide it with energy from the food you eat. People also use it to describe the rate at which your body burns calories. The terms 'fast metabolism' and 'slow metabolism' often refer to the rate at which the body converts calories into usable energy. However, the relationship between metabolism and body weight isn't always straightforward. Metabolism and body weight are connected. Weight loss generally leads to increased metabolism, but significant weight loss can decrease it. Keep reading to learn ways to improve your metabolism and some things that likely won't help. How does metabolism work? Metabolism is the group of chemical processes that convert carbohydrates, proteins, and fats from food into the energy cells need to function. Your metabolic rate is how long it takes your body to process and burn energy, or calories, from the food you eat. Your basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the amount of energy, or calories, your body needs to maintain basic functions when you're resting. It's how many calories you would need to survive if you never moved. In people and other mammals, BMR increases when muscle mass is more than 40% of total body weight. This is because muscle generally uses more energy than fat. However, if muscle mass is less than 30% of your body mass, BMR will likely be reduced. This can also reduce the ability to regulate body temperature and cause reduced activity levels. How much you move, both in general and with exercise, also reflects the total number of calories you burn. You also burn calories digesting food, a process called diet-induced thermogenesis. What influences BMR? Several things influence your BMR: Genetics: The calories you burn per day are largely determined by genetics. Age: Your average BMR decreases by 2% per decade after age 20. Sex: Males tend to have a higher BMR than females. Body makeup: Your BMR will be higher if you have more muscle and less fat. Weight: As your weight increases, so does your BMR, as it takes more energy to support it. Height: Tall people tend to have a higher BMR than shorter people. Certain medical conditions, medications, and climates can also affect your BMR. Do metabolism boosters work? Some companies sell products that supposedly boost metabolism. Most claim they do this through a process called thermogenesis, or increased heat production. This process stimulates energy use, increases metabolism, and helps burn calories. However, these products are unlikely to lead to meaningful improvements to your metabolism. Can food and supplements improve your metabolism? Some components in food and drinks may slightly increase the number of calories you burn in a day. Capsaicin Capsaicin is the chemical that puts the hot in jalapeños. There's some indication it may help promote weight loss. An older 2012 review of 20 research studies found that capsaicin may increase the calories you burn by approximately 50 calories daily. Those calories can add up over time, contributing to long-term weight loss. To increase capsaicin in your diet, you can eat more peppers. Capsaicin is also available as a supplement. Green tea Numerous studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of green tea for weight loss, but few have reported significant results. One older 2012 study suggests that catechins and caffeine found in green tea may help support weight maintenance and increase metabolism. However, a 2013 study in people with diabetes did not find a difference in metabolism between groups who drank either 2 or 4 cups of green tea and those who drank none for two months. Green tea is considered a safe addition to most people's diets. Still, it's best to talk with a doctor before drastically increasing your consumption, especially if you are pregnant or have other health conditions. You can also take green tea extract as a supplement. Resveratrol Resveratrol is a substance found in the skin of: red grapes mulberries Japanese knotweed peanuts A 2022 review of randomized clinical trials in humans notes that more research is still needed, as research on resveratrol's effects on weight loss and metabolism has been inconclusive. The researchers note that there are many variables, so they can't draw conclusions specific to this benefit. You can also get resveratrol as a supplement. Caffeine Caffeine can increase thermogenesis and increase your basal metabolic rate. This may also help support weight loss. Most caffeine supplements contain about 200 mg of caffeine, while one cup of coffee contains about 95 mg. However, if you drink caffeine regularly, its metabolic effects might be lessened. Talk with your doctor before adding more caffeine to your diet, especially if you are pregnant or have other medical conditions. You can get caffeine through coffee or tea, such as black tea, green tea, and matcha, though if you add sweeteners and milk, you will consume more calories, which may negate any potential weight loss benefits. You can also take caffeine as a supplement. Some supplements may have limited effects on your basal metabolic rate. L-carnitine L-carnitine is a substance that helps your body turn fat into energy. While your body produces it in your liver and kidneys, you can also find it in: meat dairy products nuts legumes L-carnitine may help manage certain health conditions, including: heart disease peripheral artery disease diabetic neuropathy But its use as a dietary supplement for weight loss is questionable. A 2020 review of research suggests that taking L-carnitine supplements significantly reduced body weight, body mass index (BMI), and fat mass. However, it did not affect belly fat or body fat percentage. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, there is no identified tolerable upper limit for L-carnitine, but taking 3 grams daily caused side effects, including: nausea and vomiting abdominal cramps diarrhea fishy body odor seizures in people with a seizure disorder muscle weakness in people with kidney issues Metabolism boosters without enough evidence People may promote the use of other foods and supplements without adequate evidence behind them. In some cases, the evidence hasn't supported the theory that it would work, and other times, the evidence is mixed. Though promoted as metabolism boosters, these items are less likely to work: Chromium picolinate: Though chromium might have a beneficial effect on insulin, researchers haven't proven this. It used to be understood as a trace chemical, but it does not appear necessary for any bodily processes. Because of this, there is no established tolerable upper limit. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA): CLA may support weight loss, but most of the research that suggests this has been done in animals. The results from studies in humans have been weaker. Things that may improve your metabolism It's possible to improve your metabolism. But even with taking metabolism boosters, it isn't likely to be a quick change. The most significant changes to metabolism come from gaining muscle mass and reducing fat mass. You can do this through a combination of habits that support your overall health, including: getting regular exercise, including muscle-building activities like weight training eating a nutritious diet that contains lean protein and nutrients from fruit, vegetables, and legumes reducing your total calorie intake and increasing your energy expenditure (how many calories you burn) getting enough sleep, which can help support your overall health The bottom line Despite the hype, supplements promoted as fat busters and metabolism boosters rarely significantly affect weight loss. If you want to lose weight, cutting calories from your diet and exercising more regularly are probably your best bets. You can also try adopting an eating plan that you can stick with long-term.

5-Minute Daily Stretching Routine
5-Minute Daily Stretching Routine

Health Line

time33 minutes ago

  • Health Line

5-Minute Daily Stretching Routine

Flexibility is an important part of fitness and overall health. Daily activities can be much more challenging without the ability to bend over, twist, or squat! By incorporating a stretching program into your daily routine, you can increase your flexibility and range of motion. You can also improve performance in sports and daily tasks. Stretching may help prevent injury and decrease pain associated with muscle tightness. Try this five-minute exercise routine today to prepare for the busy day ahead or to relax after work. 1. Runner's stretch This stretch is great for the lower body, especially the hamstrings and hip flexors. Tight hamstrings are often the culprits of low back pain. They may be worse in people who sit for extended periods of time. Equipment needed: none Muscles worked: hamstrings, hip flexors, low back, calves Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Step back with your left leg and place both of your hands on the ground on either side of your right foot, about shoulder-width apart. Kneel down on one knee. Lower your hips until you feel a stretch in the front of your left hip and leg. Hold for 30 seconds. Slowly straighten your front leg, keeping your hands planted on the floor. Don't worry if you can't get your leg completely straight. Hold for 30 seconds. Repeat on the other side. 2. Forward fold This stretch is the ultimate full body stretch. It's ideal for office workers who spend too much time sitting at a computer. This will stretch the legs and hamstrings. It's also a chest and shoulder opening exercise. Equipment needed: none Muscles worked: hamstrings, shoulders, low back Stand with your feet hip-width apart, toes pointing forward. Keeping a flat back, bend at the waist, shifting your hips backward and weight in your heels until you feel a stretch down the back of your legs. As you bend forward, let gravity pull your arms above your head, keeping your arms straight. Go only as far as your shoulder flexibility allows. Hold this position for 30 seconds. Let gravity pull your head and trunk down. Reach your hands toward the ground. Repeat. 3. Seated back twist Spinal twists are a great release exercise: They can help improve back pain and increase mobility. If you have any disk or spinal problems that may worsen with twisting, skip this exercise. Equipment needed: none Muscles worked: erector spinae, glutes, low back Sit on the floor, legs crossed with your left leg on top. Cross your left leg further over your right leg, placing your foot on the ground by your right knee so that your left knee is pointing upward. Gently twist your shoulders toward the left, pushing against your left leg for leverage. Only go as far as it feels comfortable for you. Hold position for 30 seconds. Repeat on the other side. 4. Bound angle This hip opening stretch is effective for both men and women. It helps decrease tension in the hips and muscles on the inside of the thighs. Equipment needed: none Muscles worked: adductors, hip flexors, glutes Sit on the floor, back straight. Keep the soles of the feet touching. Place your hands on your feet and lengthen through the spine. Feel as if there is a string pulling your head to the ceiling and shift your weight forward off your tailbone. Using your arms to assist, lean forward with a flat back, bringing your head toward your feet. Only go as far as is comfortable for you. Hold position for 30 seconds. 5. Chest stretch in doorway Tightness in the chest and shoulders is often found in people with poor posture. This may lead to bigger problems later in life. Doing daily chest-opening stretches may help prevent tightness and promote proper posture and better breathing. Equipment needed: doorway Muscles worked: chest, anterior deltoid, biceps Stand in the middle of an open door. Place your forearms on each side of the doorframe, if possible. If the doorway is too wide, do one arm at a time. Gently lean forward into the doorway until you feel a stretch through the front of the chest and shoulders. Only go as far as is comfortable for you. Hold position for 30 seconds. I tried it! I followed this stretching routine for two weeks before starting my work day. I used to do yoga and stretch more frequently, but lately, I have been walking in the city and weightlifting for my exercise, and forgetting to stretch before or after. By adding stretching for 2 weeks, I noticed: My hips started to feel less tight and more relaxed My calves became less tense, though they're still somewhat tight My flexibility increased slightly Try adding 5 minutes of stretching to your daily routine and see how it feels!

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store