Associations between Vitamin D Status and Polysomnographic Parameters in Adults with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Area of Science:

• Sleep Medicine
• Endocrinology
• Public Health

Background:

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder.
• The relationship between vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and OSA severity is not fully understood.
• VDD may play a role in the pathophysiology or exacerbation of OSA.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and polysomnographic parameters in adults with diagnosed OSA.
• To explore the relationship between VDD and the severity of OSA.
• To identify subgroups of OSA patients where VDD might be a significant predictor of severity.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 262 adults diagnosed with OSA via polysomnography.
• Data collection included demographics, medical history, anthropometrics, lifestyle, and serum 25(OH)D levels.
• Statistical analyses included correlation, logistic regression, and stratified analyses, adjusting for potential confounders.

Main Results:

• Vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL) was present in 63% of participants.
• Lower serum 25(OH)D levels were negatively correlated with OSA severity indices, including the apnea-hypopnea index.
• VDD was associated with approximately threefold higher odds of severe OSA, particularly in participants aged ≥50 years and those with a body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m².

Conclusions:

• This study provides evidence for an inverse association between vitamin D levels and OSA severity.
• VDD is an independent risk factor for severe OSA in specific subgroups.
• Vitamin D status should be considered a potential modifiable factor in the comprehensive management of obstructive sleep apnea.