21 February 2024 , 11:21
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Loud snoring may be a nuisance for your partner, but it could also be a warning sign for a much more serious issue.
Sleep apnoea, where your breathing stops and starts while you sleep, is believed to affect one billion people globally. The debilitating condition can affect simple daily tasks, as disrupted sleep can result in extreme fatigue.
But sleep apnoea can also lead to other issues including high blood pressure, increased risk of stroke, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Aside from loud snoring, the NHS says waking up lots during the night, making 'gasping, snorting or choking noises' in your sleep - and noticing your breathing stopping and starting are all signs of sleep apnoea. However, a change in diet could slash your risk.
Weight loss and exercise are often recommended for those suffering with the condition - but a new study delved into the effects of eating a plant-based diet. Sorry serial snorers, that means no meat, no dairy, and no eggs.
The study, published in ERJ Open Research, featured 14,210 people who provided 24-hour information on what they ate. Food groups were split into three categories: Healthy plant foods (such as whole grains, legumes, vegetables and fruits), less healthy plant foods (including refined grains and sugary drinks) and animal foods (dairy, eggs, meat, and seafood). Participants also filled in questionnaires to see whether they were suffering from sleep apnoea.
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Researchers found those following the healthy plant food diet were 19 per cent less likely to have sleep apnoea than those who followed a less healthy - but still plant-based - diet. Those following a largely vegetarian diet were also at a lower risk, according to News Medical.
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The study also noticed that the effects of a healthy plant-based diet were greater in men - which researchers say stresses the importance for 'personalised dietary interventions'. Dr Yohannes Melaku from Flinders University, who led the study, says the results highlight the 'important of the quality of our diet' in managing the risks of obstructive sleep apnoea.
He added: "This research doesn't tell us why diet is important but it could be that a healthy plant-based diet reduces inflammation and obesity. These are key factors in obstructive sleep apnoea 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 risk."
If you think you have sleep apnoea, contact your GP. You may need to sleep with a CPAP machine or be referred to a sleep clinic.