Could a Mediterranean diet relieve sleep apnoea?
09/11/2011
Sleep apnoea sufferers could find their symptoms are relieved if they follow a Mediterranean diet, researchers have claimed.
A study published in the European Respiratory Journal by the University of Crete in Greece found that the effects were especially beneficial among obese sleep apnoea sufferers.
Twenty participants were asked to follow a prudent diet, while the others stuck to a Mediterranean diet, and both groups were told to increase their levels of physical activity.
People following the Mediterranean diet were found to have a reduced number of sleep apnoea disturbances as they lay in bed at night than the other subjects.
This group also showed a greater adherence to the calorie-restricted diet and were more likely to engage in exercise.
Christopher Papandreou, lead author for the research, commented: "More studies are needed to examine the effect of the above diet on this sleep-related breathing disorder taking into account its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties."
Posted by Elizabeth Mewes
