In a systematic review and meta-analysis, researchers at Columbia University found that the chance of having osteoporosis in patients with OSA 1.92 times people without OSA.
In another study looking at bone density and OSA, subjects with severe OSA (AHI >30) had 4.26x increased risk of osteopenia (bone thinning) or osteoporosis (bone loss) based on lumbar bone density imaging.
Lastly, researchers from Taiwan followed 1377 patients wth OSA compared with over 20,000 matched controls without OSA. After a 6 year follow-up period, subjects with OSA had 2.74 times the risk of osteoporosis compared to controls. Numerous other studies have found similar results.
Here’s a great review article on bone loss and OSA with possible mechanisms. Some of the possible ways OSA can cause bone loss is by the following:
1. Low levels of oxygen (hypoxia) from apneas can increase osteoclast activity which increases bone reabsorption. Hypoxia has been shown to release a family of messengers (hypoxia inducible factor, or HIF), which help cells to adapt and survive during low levels of oxygen. One of these messengers (HIF-1α) stimulates osteoclast activity. HIF-1α also promotes release of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which stimulates stem cells to increase bone osteoclast (breaking down) and osteoblast (building up) activity. VEGF and HIF-1α have also been suggested as one possible pathway that explains how OSA can increase your risk of cancer. Oxidate stress that results from hypoxia is also associated with bone resorption and low bone mass.
2. OSA patients have high levels of inflammation, including TNF-α and IL-6. Inhibition of these inflammatory mediators have been found to lower inflammation and joint destruction in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. (reference1, reference 2, reference3)
3. Bone turnover appears to be influenced by circadian factors and sleep stages. Leptin is an appetite hormone that signals that you have eaten enough food. People with obstructive sleep apnea are found to have higher levels of leptin, and lower on CPAP. Leptin blocks serotonin production in the brain, leading to increased sympathetic tone, on top of an already increased sympathetic state in people with OSA. High levels of leptin and sympathetic tone has been found in patients with lower bone density.
Melatonin and its relation to bone metabolism has been studied extensively. Melatonin receptors have been found on human osteoblasts. In mice, melatonin was found to lower osteoclast function. Since melatonin diminishes with age, this may contribute to higher rates of osteoporosis in the elderly. They speculate that the anti-estrogenic effects of melatonin may play an effect on hormone-dependent cancers (breast, prostate, endometrial).
4. OSA patients have lower levels of Vitamin D and bone mineral density, and higher rates of hip fractures.
5. OSA inhibits certain hormones, especially, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), testosterone, leutenizing hormone (LH), and growth hormone (GH). In particular, growth hormone is secreted mainly during slow-wave deep sleep.
6. OSA or poor sleep quality/duration has been linked with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), depression, frailty, falls, and medications that predispose to falling. Certain medications that lower sympathetic tone can also lower melatonin production, since its pathway goes through the superior cervical ganglion. Nasal congestion often results from blood pressure medications, which can aggravate sleep-related breathing problems.
7. Although not in the paper, this is an important point: People who take long-term acid reducing medications (proton pump inhibitors, or PPI) can raise your risk of fractures by 35%. One possible mechanism proposed was that lower acid levels blocked calcium absorption. Magnesium can be lower as well.
Here’s a link to a diagram from the above mentioned paper that summarizes all the above.
This review is the tip of the iceberg. As you will see, one particular study can take you down a rabbit hole into endless other studies.
The one thing that is not so much of a grey area is that sleep is an essential part of a healthy life. So, if you are having any prolonged sleep issues, contact your doctor or call Alaska Sleep Clinic to speak with one of our board-certified sleep specialists.
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