Korean J Health Promot.  2024 Jun;24(2):47-55. 10.15384/kjhp.2024.00073.

The Relationship between Dietary Pattern and Sleep Apnea: A Study Using Recommended Food Score and Berlin Questionnaire

• LIM JS
• OH B
• HAN S
• PARK T
• KIM JS

• KMID: 2557076
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.15384/kjhp.2024.00073

Abstract

Background
Sleep apnea, characterized by interruptions in breathing during sleep, presents health risks and has been associated with various dietary patterns. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary patterns, as measured by the Recommended Food Score (RFS), and the risk of sleep apnea, as assessed using the Berlin Questionnaire.
Methods
A total of 11,586 adults from a general hospital in Korea were included in the analysis. Participants completed a questionnaire covering demographic factors, lifestyle behaviors, and dietary habits. Dietary quality was assessed using the RFS, while sleep apnea risk was evaluated using the Berlin Questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the impact of RFS on sleep quality, adjusting for potential confounding factors.
Results
Higher RFS was negatively correlated with sleep apnea risk (odds ratio=0.91 [95% confidence interval, 0.82–1.00, P=0.048)]. Significant positive associations were observed between male sex, low education level, marital status, smoking, drinking, inactivity, high blood pressure, high waist circumference, high levels of triglycerides, and poor sleep quality. Hematologic markers such as C-reactive protein levels and glutamic pyruvic transaminase also displayed significant associations with sleep quality.
Conclusions
This study contributes to our understanding of the complex interplay between diet, lifestyle, metabolic health, and sleep quality. These findings underscore the importance of dietary interventions in managing sleep apnea and highlight avenues for further research.

Keyword

Sleep apnea; Dietary patterns; Recommended Food Score; Berlin Questionnaire