Is there a link between COVID-19 and obstructive sleep apnea?

Abstract

Although obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is not considered a risk factor for COVID-19, studies have observed that these two conditions have comorbidities in common such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, asthma, obesity, hypertension, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Thus, one may question the possible contribution of OSAS to the worsening of hypoxemia in patients with COVID-19 since OSAS and obesity (hypoventilation) are associated with hypoxemia, which can be a worsening factor in the hypoxemia of COVID-19 pneumonia. Moreover, one may question whether sleep deprivation would negatively interfere with the pulmonary condition caused by COVID-19. Another question would be whether sleep deprivation resulting from OSAS would be a favorable condition for the pulmonary inflammatory process in patients with COVID-19. Studies with a more significant number of participants are needed to assess the possible impact of OSAS on the outcomes of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, providing a more solid basis for making therapeutic decisions. An important advance in understanding the influence of OSAS on COVID-19 is represented by careful identification of comorbidities and potential pathophysiological mechanisms that may contribute to the favorable outcome of these patients.

Keywords

• coronavirus infections
• obstructive sleep apnea
• sleep