Effect of Lifestyle Modifications on Polysomnography in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Lifestyle modifications (LSM) is an ignored but essential component for Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treatment. We aimed to assess the role of LSM in OSA with customized program and its effect on polysomnographic parameters and body mass index (BMI).

Prospective study of fifty six OSA patients randomized into 2 groups after establishing the diagnosis by polysomnography (PSG). Both the groups were advised LSM which included weight loss and incorporating physical activity as first line of treatment. Group A had 28 OSA patients who were given a customized diet chart, counselled and kept on regular follow. Group B with 28 OSA patients were advised by the treating physician to lose weight with no specific tailor-made diet plan. Patients were reassessed at the end of 6 months and underwent a repeat PSG. BMI along with PSG parameters like Apnea hypopnea index (AHI), lowest saturation (LSAT), and time of SpO2 < 90% (cT90) were analysed.

We analysed 54 subjects (mean age 42.38, 92.9% men). In Group A, 89.28% of the subjects had a significant decrease in AHI (p < 0.001) and time of SpO2 < 90% (p < 0.001) with improvement in mean LSAT (p < 0.001) and % of time with saturation < 90% (p = 0.001) and but in Group B only LSAT (p = 0.008) and cT90 (p = 0.028) showed improvement.

Lifestyle modifications in the form of a customised diet programme with proper diet plan, emphasis on incorporation of physical activity and periodic counselling has a better outcome which can act as an adjuvant for OSA treatment.