Researchers Say Mediterranean Diet Can Aid Sleep Apnea

Doctors have another reason to recommend the Mediterranean diet. Research published indicates that combining the diet with regular exercise can ease some of the problems associated with sleep apnea.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is the most common adult sleep disorder, affecting 2 percent to 4 percent of the population. The incidence among adults who are either overweight or obese rises significantly, to affect some 20 percent to 40 percent.

Someone with sleep apnea suffers from broken sleep patterns and often does not get enough hours of sleep or deep enough sleep because of it. It affects a person's ability to get through all five stages of sleep, particularly rapid-eye movement sleep.

Sleep apnea is dangerous because it also interferes with a person's normal heart functions during sleep, placing strain on the heart. That in turn increases a person's risk of heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular disease.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

The biggest problem is the broken sleep patterns. Some physical symptoms are present and can include loud snoring, morning headaches, fatigue and dry or sore throat in the mornings. It might include waking up repeatedly with a choking or gasping sensation, and causes insomnia.

What are the details of the new study?

The study was published in the European Respiratory Journal by scientists from the University of Crete in Greece. It included 40 participants, all of whom were considered obese and had sleep apnea.

Participants were required to use a continuous positive airway pressure mask to help their breathing. The study split participants into two groups: one was given the Mediterranean diet, the other was given a "prudent" diet. Both groups also added approximately 30 minutes a day of regular exercise.

What were the results?

The research showed participants who were following the Mediterranean diet had fewer sleep disturbances during the REM stage. In addition, they were better able to stick to their diet and exercise routine and had a more marked decrease in abdominal fat.

Scientists have pointed out that adherence to the Mediterranean diet and exercise regime appeared to only affect more than the REM sleep cycle.

Vanessa Evans is a musician and freelance writer based in Michigan, with a lifelong interest in health and nutrition issues.