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Sleep Apnea and Bone Loss

There are many medical conditions that have a negative impact on bone health. Researchers are now linking sleep apnea with bone loss. A study concluded that “People diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)are at increased risk for subsequent osteoporosis.”

This study shows an association between OSA and osteoporosis (defined in the study as a T-score ≤-2.5), but not that OAS causes osteoporosis. The study also does not begin to address any number of possible ways that OSA can contribute to the bone loss, (such as oxygen deprivation, increased free radicals, increased inflammatory cytokines, increased bone resorption, decreased bone formation, etc.). Although it is not clear what mechanism(s) may be in play, previous studies have shown that OSA leads to increased rates of bone turnover that can be reversed with the use of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy — a common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.

We do not know for sure if OSA increases rates of bone loss and fracture risk. We also do not know the specific way that OSA impacts bone health. There are many other chronic conditions that people with OSA have, including diabetes and daytime drowsiness that can lead to increased fracture risk. It is likely that, based on other studies, all of these mechanisms play a role in a true causal link between untreated OSA and osteoporosis (increased fracture risk).

If you have sleep apnea, talk with your doctor about the best way for you to treat it.


Reviewed: 3/20/19

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