Association between adherence to the mediterranean diet, physical activity, and sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS) in a middle-aged population with cardiovascular risk: Insights from the ILERVAS cohort

• Published in: Sleep medicine 2024-04, Vol.116, p.19-26
• Main Authors: Salinas-Roca, Blanca, Sánchez, Enric, Bermúdez-López, Marcelino, Valdivielso, José Manuel, Farràs-Sallés, Cristina, Pamplona, Reinald, Torres, Gerard, Mauricio, Dídac, Castro, Eva, Fernández, Elvira, Hernández, Marta, Rius, Ferran, Lecube, Albert
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cardiovascular risk; Mediterranean diet; Physical activity; Red meat; Sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome
• ISSN: 1389-9457; 1878-5506
• DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2024.02.032

Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome (SAHS) is a common sleep disorder influenced by factors like age, gender, and obesity. The Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) and physical activity have shown health benefits in lung diseases, but their effects on SAHS remain underexplored. In a cross-sectional analysis of 678 middle-aged individuals with low-to-moderate cardiovascular risk from the ILERVAS cohort, we assessed adherence to the MedDiet and physical activity levels using validated tools. Sleep parameters, SAHS severity, and excessive daytime sleepiness were evaluated through non-attended cardiorespiratory polygraphy and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Multinomial logistic regression models were employed to assess the relationship between MedDiet adherence, physical activity, and SAHS severity. The prevalence of severe, moderate, and mild SAHS was 15.5%, 23.2% and 36.1%, respectively. We found no significant associations between adherence to the MedDiet, physical activity levels, and the presence or severity of SAHS. However, we noted a significant interaction between MedDiet and physical activity with minimum SpO2 values (p = 0.049). Notably, consuming more than one serving of red meat per day was independently associated with a higher risk of moderate SAHS [OR = 2.65 (1.29–5.44), p = 0.008]. Individually, MedDiet adherence and physical activity did not show independent correlations with SAHS. However, when considered together, a minimal but significant effect on minimum SpO2 was observed. Additionally, red meat consumption was associated with a moderate risk of SAHS. Further research is necessary to comprehend the intricate connections between lifestyle factors and sleep-breathing disorders, with a focus on personalized approaches for high-risk populations. •Sleep can encompass respiratory disruptions which can be influenced by factors such as diet and physical activity.•Among the components of the MedDiet, increased consumption of red meat was associated with a higher risk of moderate SAHS.•A significant interaction between adherence to the MeDiet and physical activity with minimum SpO2 level values.•It exists a complexity among factors contributing to SAHS as age, gender and BMI but also the specific dietary composition.