The study, published by the European Respiratory Society Journal, showed that improving air quality can reduce these risks and enhance public health, according to New Atlas. Bingu, during his presentation of the results at the European Respiratory Society conference, explained that sleep apnea is traditionally associated with older age and obesity, but is emerging as an increasingly important factor. The study indicated that fine particles (PM10), generated from sources such as car exhaust and factories, increase the severity of sleep apnea. For every unit increase in PM10 levels, the rate of respiratory disturbances rises by 0.41 disturbances per hour of sleep. Although this ratio seems small on an individual level, its impact is significant collectively, as low-pollution areas recorded lower apnea rates compared to high-pollution areas.
He added, “The results confirm the importance of environmental factors, such as air quality, in exacerbating this condition.” Professor Sofia Schiza, head of the ERS Sleep Disordered Breathing Group at the University of Crete, confirmed that this study highlights the necessity of considering air quality when treating those with sleep apnea. She added, “Addressing air pollution is not only beneficial for the environment but also essential for health and sleep quality.”
Sleep apnea is a serious condition that increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, type 2 diabetes, depression, and cognitive disorders. The study recommends using indoor air purifiers to reduce the risks of pollution-induced apnea, emphasizing the importance of environmental prevention to improve public health.
