Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by the repeated collapse of the upper airway during sleep, resulting in intermittent hypoxia and disrupted sleep. This condition is linked to various physiological issues, including cardiovascular problems, metabolic disturbances, and cognitive impairments. New research suggests that OSA may also have significant impacts on skeletal muscle quality, which had not been fully recognized before.
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A study conducted by researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and Soroka University Medical Center, published in Sleep and Breathing, identifies a strong association between OSA and diminished skeletal muscle quality. The research indicates that this condition may contribute to age-related muscle decline, a risk that often goes unnoticed among the approximately 30% of adults affected by OSA. The disorder occurs when the upper airway collapses repeatedly during sleep, causing breathing interruptions, reduced oxygen levels, and fragmented sleep.
While the effects of OSA on alertness, concentration, and cardiovascular and respiratory health are known, this study expands the understanding to include potential impacts on muscle integrity and bone strength, increasing the risk of fractures, weakening physical strength, and diminishing overall quality of life.
The research was led by Prof. Ariel Tarasiuk, Director of the Sleep-Wake Disorders Unit at Soroka University Medical Center, along with Prof. Ilan Shelef, Director of the Imaging Institute at the same center. Their team also included Dr. Sharon Daniel and medical student Samuel Francis. To gather data, they analyzed existing CT scans, allowing them to assess bone density and muscle composition without subjecting patients to additional radiation or tests. The results indicated that individuals with OSA had lower skeletal muscle density and a higher skeletal muscle index compared to individuals without the condition, indicating altered muscle quality.
Prof. Tarasiuk emphasized the broader implications of OSA, stating that it is much more than just snoring and can lead to serious issues such as fractures and reduced muscle function without early diagnosis and treatment. Prof. Shelef noted that CT scans conducted for other medical purposes could serve as effective screening tools for identifying at-risk individuals.
Dr. Daniel highlighted the importance of integrating sleep data with imaging and medical records to improve the identification of high-risk groups, thus facilitating targeted prevention strategies. This research builds on previous findings that linked OSA with decreased bone density.
The researchers advocate for including assessments of muscle quality and bone density in routine CT scan analyses and for establishing structured follow-up and treatment plans for patients with OSA to enhance early detection and management of sleep-related breathing disorders.
The study titled “Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with altered skeletal muscle composition using computed tomography–derived indices” was published on January 30, 2026, in Sleep and Breathing. Another related study titled “Bone mineral density alteration in obstructive sleep apnea by derived computed tomography screening” appeared in Scientific Reports on April 19, 2022.