Three out of four Americans are affected by sleep disorders. Approximately 39 million of those suffer from sleep apnea, but a new study suggests a vegan diet could be the solution.

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea, or O.S.A, is the most dangerous of all sleep disorders. Many do not even realize they have it. Those who suffer from sleep apnea may briefly stop breathing numerous times during the night. These breathing interruptions happen because the upper airway becomes blocked while the patient sleeps. Not only is this dangerous for the individual, but it also severely affects the quality of sleep because it causes you to wake up many times throughout the night. Sleep apnea sufferers also have an increased risk of high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. In addition, sleep apnea can adversely affect the sleeper’s partner by repeatedly waking them.

Traditional Treatments for Sleep Apnea

Doctors usually prescribe a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine to treat the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. These machines deliver positive air pressure, which keeps airway passages open and prevents snoring and sleep apnea. The user must wear a mask connected to the machine every night.

Other patients may opt for an oral device or mouthpiece. Their unique design keeps the throat open by bringing the lower jaw forward or holding the tongue in a position better suited to airflow. Some patients even have surgeries to curtail the problem. All these methods can treat sleep apnea effectively, but they can be bulky, uncomfortable, or inconvenient. They can also be very costly. But there is hope that another solution may be available.

Can a Vegan Diet Treat Sleep Apnea?

A new study carried out by researchers from Flinders University in Australia and published in ERJ Open Research suggests that diet could affect the risk of obstructive sleep apnea. People consuming a diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains were 20% less likely to develop sleep apnea than those consuming more unhealthy options.

Researchers studied data from 14,000 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey participants. This survey asked those participating to detail what they consumed over 24 hours. Their answers allowed researchers to divide them into two groups: herbivores and meat lovers. They further divided the vegetarian and vegan participants into four groups: general plant-based diet, healthy plant-based diet (whole grains, vegetables, nuts, fruit), unhealthy plant-based diet (sugary drinks, refined grains, desserts, and sweets, salty food), and pro-vegetarian diet.

After participants completed their diet surveys, the participating individuals answered a series of questions used to detect obstructive sleep apnea. Scientists discovered that 19% of participants who adhered to an all-plant-based, healthy diet were less likely to develop OSA than those who regularly consumed meat. Researchers also noted that more casual vegetarians shared the same lowered risk.

Eating Vegan for Health

This study addressed the overarching gap in understanding the effects of diet choices on obstructive sleep apnea risks. The results indicate the importance of quality diets in risk management. Research suggests that the reduced inflammation and potential for obesity associated with a healthy, plant-based diet could contribute to these lower risks. The team will continue to explore the potential benefits of a healthy diet for sleep disorders.

“This research doesn’t tell us why diet is important, but it could be that a healthy plant-based diet reduces inflammation and obesity,” said Yohannes Adama Melaku, Ph.D., senior research fellow at Flinders University. “These are key factors in OSA risk. Diets rich in anti-inflammatory components and antioxidants, and low in harmful dietary elements, can influence fat mass, inflammation, and even muscle tone, all of which are relevant to OSA risk.”

Processed Foods and Sleep Apnea

Next, the researchers plan to study the links between consuming ultra-processed foods and obstructive sleep apnea. They intend to use the same participants in the original study for this new study. Additionally, they will continue to study the long-term interactions between diet and OSA risk.

Positive Effects of Plant Based Diets

This informative study is yet another reason to pursue a vegan lifestyle. These healthy choices link to many health benefits, and researchers continue to find even more positive outcomes. All of this is in addition to the compassionate benefits that prevent animal suffering and the environmental benefits. It is increasingly evident that a vegan lifestyle can benefit our health, thousands of animals, and our environment. This study is just one more example of these positive effects.