In this day and age, struggling to sleep is almost a universal problem. Every other person complains of poor sleep cycle and feeling tired all the time. While most studies blame the extensive use of cell phones, a new study has come to light which shows that there may be a link between exposure to air pollution and sleep apnea. Here are all the important details that you would need to know about this new study.
Suffering From Sleep Apnea? Study Says Air Pollution Is To Blame
According to an article which was recently published by NDTV, the study was published in the journal International Neurotoxicology Association. The study says that air pollution can add to the severity and risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea or OSA.
The research states that persistent exposure to high levels of air pollution can cause inflammation in your body. This is also known as systemic inflammation. In addition to this, it can also cause oxidative stress which can worsen airway dysfunction during sleep.
Researchers conducted a meta-analysis and systematic review of as many as 12 studies. They consolidated and subsequently analysed the data on the relationship between air pollution and the risk and severity of OSA.
Although No Conclusive Proof Was Found In The Study
It is important to note that the study mentioned that there is no conclusive evidence for this. It also specifies that the effect of air pollution depends on the kind of pollutant a person is exposed to.
Other factors that come into play here are also pre-existing health conditions, the duration and severity of the air pollution exposure and individual susceptibility. Air pollutants like Nitrogen Dioxide might especially worsen OSA.
This means that healthcare workers, in the future, may need to take environmental factors into consideration as well when assessing the risk of OSA. The disease already affects a large chunk of the population and can lead to a myriad of other health-related issues.
Do you think it is likely that air pollution plays a larger role in sleep apnea than previously thought? Let us know in the comments section below!
Cover Image Credits: Canva Images
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