logo
Global Warming May Fuel Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Global Warming May Fuel Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Medscape3 days 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

Which Plant-Based Milk is Best: Oat Milk, Almond Milk or Coconut Milk
Which Plant-Based Milk is Best: Oat Milk, Almond Milk or Coconut Milk

CNET

timean hour ago

  • CNET

Which Plant-Based Milk is Best: Oat Milk, Almond Milk or Coconut Milk

There are many reasons you could chose to look for a nondairy milk option. From health reasons to environmental concerns, no matter the reason there are lots of choices. Soy milk, hemp milk and a wide range of other plant-based milks mean there are a variety of flavors to choose from. Maria Sylvester Terry, a registered dietitian, shares her thoughts on 10 (10!) different plant-based milks you can try as an alternative to dairy milk. Read more: Vegan Cheese: As Good As the Real Thing? Soy milk Getty Images "If someone's looking for a dairy milk substitute, soy milk is the plant-based option that is the closest," Terry says. "Soy is an incredible food that naturally contains numerous nutrients, whereas other plant-based milks may need additional enrichment of vitamins and minerals." Plus, soy milk is one of the most widely available and it's a budget-friendly milk alternative, so it's accessible for more people. Pros Soy is a plant-based complete protein, which means it contains all 10 essential amino acids. It's inexpensive compared to other plant-based milks. Cons For some folks the flavor of soy milk is an initial hurdle, but choosing a flavored variety may help overcome this. Soy milk does not naturally contain as much calcium as dairy milk, so look for calcium-fortified options if that's important to you. Read more: These Pro Athletes Went Vegan: Why They Switched and How You Can, Too Almond milk Getty Images Almond milk is everywhere. I'd venture to guess that it's used just as much, if not more, than soy milk these days. "Due to its status as the go-to plant-based milk, you'll find it everywhere, from coffee shops to corner stores to wholesale grocery stores," Terry says, which makes almond milk one of the best plant-based milks simply because it's so accessible. Pros Almond milk contains omega-3 fatty acids that are important for heart health, as well as the antioxidant It's naturally low in sugar. It's a fairly versatile and accessible option that's available in a variety of flavors. Cons Despite almonds themselves being a nutritious whole food with protein and fat, almond milk is not considered a source of protein, Terry says. This is because almonds are stripped of many of their nutrients during the "milking" process. If you're looking to replace calcium-rich dairy milk with almond milk, you'll want to ensure you're getting calcium in your diet from other foods. Check the label for additives and gums Oat milk Olivia Geyelin With its creamy consistency, oat milk is an optimal dairy milk substitute in baked goods, soups, lattes and more. This plant-based milk has more carbohydrates than other options, Terry says, which makes for a good pre- or post-workout drink. Oat milk has more fiber than some other plant milks, including almond, rice and coconut milks. If you're into sustainability, oat milk is considered one of the more sustainable milk alternatives. Pros Oat milk contains naturally occurring fiber and protein, and it's fortified with nutrients such as vitamins A, B2, B12 and D, as well as minerals calcium and phosphorus. It's an allergen-friendly option that doesn't contain lactose, nuts or soy. If it's made with certified gluten-free oats, it's a safe option for those with Celiac disease It's easy to make at home Cons While some people love the flavor and thick texture, other people find it a turn-off. Luckily, you can try several different brands and flavors to find one you like, or just choose another plant milk. Clearly, they're plentiful! Oats are a nutritious food, but drinking oat milk shouldn't be equated with eating whole oats. Some of the nutrients are lost in processing, Terry says. Cashew milk Getty Images This is a "versatile plant-based option with a creamy texture," according to Terry, and its price is on par with almond milk. It's also available in most grocery stores. Cashew milk has a nuttier taste than most plant-based milks and it's rather sweet. If you prefer a subtler taste, cashew milk might not be the right choice for you. Pros Homemade cashew milk packs 20% of your daily needs of magnesium Some store-bought varieties contain more calcium than dairy milk. Cons There can be a big difference in nutritional profiles between store-bought cashew milk and homemade, Terry says. Homemade varieties are usually higher in fiber, protein and fat. Store-bought cashew milk may be lower in calories than homemade cashew milk, but it may also have less protein and healthy fats. Cashew milk is not a good dairy replacement if you're looking for plant-based milk with high protein content. Macadamia milk Getty Images Because macadamia milk has a "more balanced flavor compared to other nut milks, it could be used on a more frequent basis and in various foods and beverages, " Terry says, whereas other plant milks with stronger flavors (like cashew milk) have limited uses. Pros Nutritionally, macadamia milk has generous amounts of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. It also contains calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B12. Its consistency tends to be on the thicker side, making it a stronger choice for coffee drinks. A macadamia milk latte might hit the spot. Cons It's pricier compared to more mainstream plant-based milks, such as almond and soy. It's also not in as many stores as more popular milk alternatives, so it's not as accessible. The higher fat content makes this a higher-calorie nut milk, which isn't inherently a bad thing, but something to be mindful of if you're trying to lose weight. Banana milk Mooala Yes, banana milk is a thing, and it's actually rather yummy (if you like bananas). Taste-wise, banana milk compares to sipping on a "healthified" milkshake. It's sweet, slightly fruity and super-creamy. Banana milk is a "fun choice to add flavor to smoothies, baked goods, oatmeal, and maybe even your coffee," Terry says. "Can you imagine banana milk with Honey Nut Cheerios?" Pros Banana milk packs 8% of your daily needs for potassium, 25% of daily calcium needs (fortified, not naturally occurring) and contains vitamins B6 and C. It has a sweet, creamy banana flavor without added sugar (unless you opt for the chocolate flavor). Banana milk is easy to make at home. Cons Currently there's only one brand you can buy in stores, Mooala. As banana milk grows in popularity, other companies will probably jump on the bandwagon. However, until that happens, accessibility to store-bought banana milk may be limited for some. Banana milk lacks vitamin D compared to other plant milks, most of which are fortified with vitamin D. Rice milk Getty Images Rice milk is an allergy-friendly option for those who need to avoid nuts, seeds, soy or lactose, explains Terry. It's also a widely accessible option sold in various grocery stores. Rice milk has the highest carbohydrate content of all the plant-based milks on this list (not including sweetened and flavored options), but that's not a bad thing unless you need to watch your carb intake for health reasons. Pros Rice milk is inexpensive. It's fortified with vitamins and minerals such as vitamins B12 and D, and calcium. It has a mild flavor that's lightly sweet and versatile. Cons Rice milk is known to have a watery consistency. It may contain added sugars, gums and additives for flavor, consistency and shelf-life. Check the label for ingredients if you're looking to avoid specific additives. It is not a source of protein. Pea milk Ripple Another great allergy-friendly option, pea milk is made from yellow peas and is naturally soy-, gluten-, lactose-, and nut-free. Ripple is the best-known maker of pea milk, and Ripple milk has a pretty impressive nutrient profile compared to other plant milks. Pros Pea milk is high in protein -- eight ounces of Ripple pea milk contains eight grams of protein, making this a "solid choice for those looking for a protein-rich milk or a dairy substitute," Terry says. Pea protein is rich in branched-chain amino acids. It's a good source of omega-3s (from algal oil) and calcium. It provides vitamins A and D Cons It has a chalky sensation and aftertaste, according to some. Certain types and flavors of pea milk are high in sugar. Hemp milk Pacific Foods Soy was once the only known plant-based source of a complete protein, but hemp seeds provide all 10 essential amino acids, too. The flavor is earthy and nutty, and as with all plant-based milks, some will love it while others won't. Pros Hemp seeds contain ample magnesium, folate, phosphorus and potassium. Store-bought options tend to be fortified with additional calcium, phosphorus and vitamins A, B12 and D. Higher in unsaturated healthy fats (omega-3 and omega-6) than other plant milks. Cons Hemp is known to interact with certain prescription medications. The high fat content in hemp may lead to digestive upset if you consume too much at once, but this is unlikely to happen with hemp milk, since it's not concentrated hemp. Coconut milk Getty Images Coconut milk is less of a drinking beverage and more of an ingredient for cooking, but some varieties of coconut milk do taste good on their own. As far as accessibility, you can probably get coconut milk at your local grocery store. Pros Coconut contains medium-chain triglycerides and is loaded with minerals, including manganese, magnesium, potassium, copper and selenium. It's high in fiber compared to other plant-based milks. Versatile -- You can find many varieties of coconut milk available for different culinary needs, such as drinks, sauces, baking, cooking. Cons Higher in calories and fat. Again, this isn't inherently bad, but it-could be a con for some, depending on personal health needs, goals and lifestyle choices. It's not a protein-rich milk. Which plant-based milk is best? Getty Images "When it comes to choosing the most well-rounded option for the combination of nutrition, sustainability and versatility, oat milk and hemp milk come out on top in my opinion," Terry says. With so many plant-based milks on the market, it can be hard to find "the one," but unless you don't have access to multiple variations, you don't have to stick to just one type. "Various plant-based milks means diverse uses, culinary benefits and nutritional benefits," Terry says. "You may have one for your coffee, one for smoothies, one for baking, one for cooking [and] making sauces." If you're looking for a protein-rich, plant-based milk to replace dairy milk, Terry recommends soy milk or pea milk. Most plant-based milks are fortified with calcium and other vitamins and minerals to match or even surpass the nutritional quality of cow's milk, so protein becomes the main factor. Oh, and don't be scared of the gums and emulsifiers you see on the ingredients lists of plant-based milks. While these ingredients may cause digestive upset for some people, they're harmless for most people, Terry says. You may have heard phrases like "Don't eat ingredients that you can't pronounce" or "If you can't recognize it, neither can your body." In 2016, for example, an ad campaign attempted to demonize the additives in almond milk by scaring watchers into thinking lecithin was a shady ingredient. "These phrases are neither helpful nor accurate," Terry says. "For example, plant milks may contain added 'alpha-tocopherols' which, sure, may be hard to pronounce, but is simply a type of vitamin E." Finally, look out for sweetened flavors when shopping for plant-based milks. You might toss a harmless-looking chocolate almond milk carton into your basket, only to realize later that one eight-ounce glass has as much sugar as a candy bar. As always, reading nutrition labels can help you make healthy decisions.

Stress Can Cause Spotting — Here's Why It Happens and What to Do
Stress Can Cause Spotting — Here's Why It Happens and What to Do

Health Line

timean hour ago

  • Health Line

Stress Can Cause Spotting — Here's Why It Happens and What to Do

Stress can spike cortisol levels, disrupting the body's production of sex hormones like estrogen. This can result in spotting and other menstrual changes. Spotting generally occurs as small droplets of blood in your underwear or as a pink, red, or brown tinge in your discharge. 'The color of your spotting is determined by the amount of time that's passed since the blood was released from the lining of the uterus,' says Jane van Dis, MD, OB-GYN, a medical advisor with menstrual company FLEX. It typically occurs on either side of your menstrual period (before your period starts in earnest or after you think it has ended), but it can happen at any point in your monthly cycle. Keep reading to learn more about how stress affects your menstrual cycle and how to manage it. How stress affects your menstrual cycle High stress levels can prompt your endocrine system to release stress hormones, including cortisol, a steroid hormone produced by your adrenal glands. The entire endocrine system is connected, and increased cortisol can have a ripple effect. When cortisol levels rise, both estrogen and testosterone can decrease. Likewise, fluctuating sex hormones can also affect your stress levels. An unexpected change in your estrogen levels can disrupt your menstrual cycle, resulting in spotting, missed menstruation, or other irregularities. 'Anything that impacts you as a person has the potential to impact the menstrual cycle and therefore cause spotting,' explains reproductive health specialist Felice Gersh, MD, author of 'PCOS SOS: A Gynecologist's Lifeline To Naturally Restore Your Rhythms, Hormones, and Happiness.' The stress may contribute to spotting if you recently experienced a life change. Causes can include changes like: a breakup moving increasing work responsibilities or losing your job a recent diagnosis, whether your own or a loved one's Stress-induced spotting is usually accompanied by other symptoms of stress, including: difficulty sleeping difficulty concentrating changes in appetite generalized fatigue muscle aches digestive upset sexual dysfunction Illnesses can also cause physical stress that may have a similar effect. How to manage stress-related spotting 'Spotting, by its name, implies that an individual is releasing a smaller amount of blood than they would during their period,' says van Dis. A panty liner should be enough to protect your underwear. If you choose to free-bleed (menstruating without blocking or collecting menstrual blood) and end up staining your underwear, blood-removal tips can help. However, if you are bleeding so much that you need a sanitary pad or tampon to catch the blood, it is likely too much to be considered spotting. You may have another type of vaginal bleeding. If the bleeding isn't from stress or your menstrual period, it's best to talk with a healthcare professional about your symptoms. Other causes of abnormal vaginal bleeding can include: pregnancy or miscarriage a growth in your uterus or cervix hormone imbalance medication changes an infection breakthrough bleeding Cycle-related changes also occur with perimenopause. This is the phase that precedes menopause. Managing stress to prevent stress-related menstrual changes Managing your overall stress levels can help reduce stress-related spotting. 'You could incorporate meditation, journaling, grounding, or nature walking into your routine,' says Gersh. Other stress reduction methods she recommends include: physical therapy massage therapy acupuncture from a licensed practitioner for myofascial release therapy, deep tissue massage, or another form of bodywork Prioritizing your overall health can also help you manage your stress levels. That means: drinking enough water eating nutrient-dense meals monitoring caffeine intake getting regular physical activity limiting alcohol, nicotine, and other substance use If you continue to feel stressed, less focused, or more irritable than usual, it may be time to talk with a mental health professional. The right therapist can help you deduce the root of your stress and give you tools to manage it. When to consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional 'If you have a regular period and this is your first time spotting, you'd be wise to rule out pregnancy as the underlying cause if there's a chance that you could be pregnant,' says Gersh. You can find out if you're pregnant by taking an at-home pregnancy test 10 or more days after you last had vaginal intercourse with a person who produces sperm. You can also ask a healthcare professional to order a blood test, which can usually detect pregnancy a few days earlier. If this is the first time you've ever spotted and there's no chance you're pregnant, Gersh says it's probably OK to assume that stress, or some other lifestyle change, is the cause. But if you're experiencing other unusual symptoms or bodily changes, she recommends consulting a healthcare professional. Frequently asked questions What does stress spotting look like? Spotting usually looks like light bleeding in your underwear. It can be pink, red, or brown and may occur with other discharge. It's typically a small amount (enough that you could use a pantyliner but not need a pad or a tampon). Spotting usually looks like light bleeding in your underwear. It can be pink, red, or brown and may occur with other discharge. It's typically a small amount (enough that you could use a pantyliner but not need a pad or a tampon). What can trigger spotting? Some possible triggers for light bleeding between periods can include stress, changing or skipping hormonal birth control, rough sex, or implantation bleeding due to pregnancy. If you have more than a small amount of blood, there could be another cause. Some possible triggers for light bleeding between periods can include stress, changing or skipping hormonal birth control, rough sex, or implantation bleeding due to pregnancy. If you have more than a small amount of blood, there could be another cause. Why am I only spotting when I wipe? If you only notice blood when you wipe after urinating, you may want to get checked out for other causes of bleeding, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI), which can cause blood in your urine.

Frisco mom survives stroke thanks to quick action and advanced care
Frisco mom survives stroke thanks to quick action and advanced care

CBS News

time2 hours ago

  • CBS News

Frisco mom survives stroke thanks to quick action and advanced care

Time is the number one commodity in the Reid-Keen household. Life can be hectic, as you might expect for a family of five. "I worried about getting the kids to their activities on time and making sure everyone had dinner—and making sure I wasn't late to pick the kids up," said Catherine Keen. "We're running around taking kids every which way—soccer, baseball, dance," said Ryan Reid, Catherine's husband. "We were both working full time." Flu slows family down Reid-Keen household But the family was forced to slow down when everyone came down with the flu during Christmas break at the end of last year. "It just hit us all hard, and it took us a while to recover," said Keen. "It took me longer to recover." Stroke strikes without warning By early January, the 43-year-old mom of three was finally starting to feel like herself again. She decided to take a little time for herself and sneak in an early morning workout while the house was still quiet. "My daughter was down the street at Grandma's, and Catherine was going to work out," said Reid. "I was going to take the boys and go have some dude time." But that plan quickly changed. Before her workout even began, Keen knew something was wrong. "I immediately felt dizzy, and I laid down on the floor," she said. Son finds mom unresponsive Just minutes later, her sons came downstairs and found her. "I said, 'Mom, are you OK?' and 'What are you doing down there?'" said Nicholas Reid, Catherine's son. "She didn't respond to either question, so I'm like, 'This isn't funny. Stop.'" Keen couldn't respond. She had just suffered a massive stroke. The clock was ticking. Fast response saves life When Reid got downstairs and saw that she still couldn't respond, he called 911. The Frisco Fire Department arrived within 10 minutes. "They recognized it immediately," said Reid. "They said, 'We think she's having a stroke, and Plano Presby is the best place to go.' I said, 'I'll race you there.'" Top stroke center in Texas Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano is one of fewer than 50 comprehensive stroke centers in the state. "She had a devastating stroke," said Dr. James Tatum, an interventional neuroradiologist at Texas Health Plano. "She had no speech. She couldn't talk. She was completely paralyzed on the right side of her body." Advanced stroke treatment used Tatum specializes in treating stroke patients using advanced techniques. "We're able to advance a catheter through the blood vessels to the region of the clot and extract it with suction, essentially reestablishing blood flow," he said. Recovery begins within days That life-saving technology, combined with the fast actions of everyone involved, is why Keen was discharged from the hospital after just a few days—and has since made a nearly full recovery. "If it had been 30 minutes sooner, we would have been asleep. If it had been 30 minutes later, the boys and I would have been gone," said Reid. "With a stroke, every minute counts." Stroke warning for others That's what Keen wants others to know: if you see signs of a stroke, don't wait—call 911. "I was so fortunate because my son found me in less than 15 minutes from when I went down," said Keen. "So I'm definitely a survivor. I'm so lucky." Family grateful for recovery "Lucky" doesn't begin to describe how her family feels. "I'm just grateful—grateful that I can get back to worrying about silly stuff like the grocery list or cleaning the pool, and not when her next appointment is," said Reid.

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