The interaction between oxidative balance score and sleep disorders and its effect on stroke prevalence: A...

Unhealthy lifestyles and diets are linked to stroke, but the combined effects of sleep disorders and dietary oxidative balance on stroke prevalence are under-researched. This study uses data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to explore the interaction between sleep disorders and oxidative balance score (OBS) with stroke prevalence. We analyzed data from 28,253 adults (≥18 years) in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2005-2018). OBS was evaluated both continuously and in quartiles. Multivariate logistic regression and interaction tests assessed the relationship between OBS, sleep disorders, and their combined effect on stroke prevalence, focusing on their interaction. Additional analyses included multiplicative interaction analysis, restricted cubic spline analysis, and subgroup evaluations by age, gender, and race, using odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). OBS was negatively associated with stroke prevalence (OR 0.98, 95% CI: 0.97-0.99). Participants with sleep disorders had a higher stroke risk (OR 1.52, 95% CI: 1.25-1.86). A significant interaction was found between sleep disorders and the lowest OBS quartile for stroke prevalence (OR 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01-1.09). This interaction was notable in individuals aged 40+, males, and non-Hispanic Blacks. Restricted cubic spline analysis showed a linear relationship between OBS and stroke risk. Sleep disorders and low oxidative balance are linked to higher stroke prevalence, with their interaction strongest in the lowest OBS quartile. These results suggest that boosting antioxidant balance may reduce stroke risk in those with sleep disorders. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these associations and explore causality.