City Air Linked to Higher Rates of โSleep Apnea, New Research โฃFinds
LISBON, PORTUGAL โฃ – โResidents โof major European cities are substantially more likely to โsuffer from obstructive sleepโข apnea (OSA),โ a perhaps risky sleep disorder, according to a new study presented by the European Respiratory Society. Researchers โคidentified a strong correlation between urban living and the prevalence ofโข OSA,particularly in Lisbon,Paris,and Athens. Theโ findingsโข underscore the growing recognition of environmental factors – specifically air pollution -โ as keyโ contributors to respiratory health and sleep quality.
The study, which analyzed data from numerous centers across โEurope, reveals that individuals in densely populated areas face a heightened risk โof developing โคOSA. Obstructiveโ sleep apnea, characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, can lead to serious health complications โขincluding โcardiovascularโฃ disease, stroke, and daytime fatigue. Experts believe the regional variations observed mayโ stem from โdifferences in local climate, pollution types, and theโ effectiveness of OSA detection within individual healthcare systems.
“this study is crucial for those affected,especially individuals residing in cities with โelevated levels of air pollution,as it suggests that pollutionโ may exacerbate their condition,” statedโข Professor Sophia Schiza,head of the โsleep-related breathingโ disorders expert group โขat the European Respiratoryโข Society and the University of Crete,in a statement โคto the science portal “EurekAlert!”.
Professorโ Schiza emphasized the importance of considering โคenvironmentalโข factors alongside customary risk factors when assessing OSA.”Combatingโข air pollution isn’t just beneficial for theโ planet; it’s also vital for our lungs and our sleep quality,” she added. The research highlights a growing body of evidence linking air quality toโ a range of health issues, prompting calls for increased efforts to improve urban airโค quality andโข prioritize public health.
