Vitamin D has been suggested as a possible alternative to CPAP for treating sleep apnea, as there is a link between obesity and both vitamin D deficiency and sleep apnea. However, a new study has found that there is likely no link between vitamin D and sleep apnea, so vitamin D supplements are unlikely to help. The study looked at 2800 men with an average age of 76 and found that when the results were crossed with known sleep apnea risk factors, there was not enough evidence to suggest that vitamin D deficiency actually increases sleep apnea risk.
Vitamin D Theory
The theory that links vitamin D shortages to sleep apnea seemed to have merit, as obesity increases the risk of both vitamin D shortages and sleep apnea, and vitamin D helps your muscles maintain tone. However, the study found that there was not enough evidence to suggest that vitamin D shortage actually increases sleep apnea risk.
Other Vitamins that May Help Sleep Apnea
Although vitamin D supplements may not help with sleep apnea, there are other vitamin deficiencies that can affect sleep.
Vitamin E supports immune health cell function, helps protect cells from damage, and can help with sleep deprivation from sleep apnea.
Vitamin C plays a role in immune health and cardiovascular health and can help reduce the number of apnea episodes at night and improve sleep quality.
Vitamin B6 assists with immune health, cognitive function, and development and can help with depression and insomnia.
Vitamin B12 is responsible for supporting cardiovascular health and brain function, and a deficiency can result in insomnia, sleep disruption, and shorter sleep times.
It is important to take a blood test to determine if you have a deficiency and to consult with your doctor on which types of supplements to take. Although vitamin D supplements may not help with sleep apnea, there are other vitamin deficiencies that can affect sleep, and taking the appropriate supplements can help improve sleep quality and reduce the number of apnea episodes at night.
Sources:
- https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-disorders/sleep-apnea
- https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/566116
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2793876/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20073373/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16439717/
- https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/vitamin-B6