DNA strands intertwined with a sleeping person

Can Vitamin D Hold the Key to Better Sleep? The Link Between Genetics, Sleep Apnea, and Overall Health

Mira Elwood in Health & Wellness January 2026 • 4 min read.

"New research unveils how vitamin D receptor gene variations affect sleep apnea and vitamin D levels, offering insights into potential treatments and preventative measures."

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is a widespread health issue, affecting a significant portion of the adult population. Characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, this condition not only diminishes sleep quality but also poses serious health risks. While factors like obesity and age are well-known contributors, the underlying genetic mechanisms remain less clear.

Recent research has increasingly focused on the role of vitamin D in sleep regulation and overall health. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to various health problems, including increased susceptibility to sleep apnea. However, the precise connection between vitamin D levels, genetic factors, and sleep apnea has been a topic of ongoing investigation.

A new study published in OMICS: A Journal of Integrative Biology sheds light on this complex relationship. Researchers investigated how variations in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene impact both vitamin D serum concentrations and susceptibility to OSAS. This study offers new insights into how our genes, vitamin D levels, and sleep quality are interconnected.

Decoding the Link: How Vitamin D Receptor Genes Influence Sleep Apnea Risk

DNA strands intertwined with a sleeping person

The study, led by researchers at Democritus University of Thrace and Sapienza University of Rome, involved 176 participants, including 144 individuals diagnosed with OSAS and 32 healthy controls. Each participant underwent a full polysomnography (PSG), a comprehensive sleep study, to accurately assess their sleep patterns and breathing disturbances.

Researchers focused on specific variations within the VDR gene, known as polymorphisms. These included FokI, BsmI, ApaI, and TaqI. They analyzed how these genetic variations correlated with vitamin D serum concentrations and the presence of OSAS.

The research team employed a rigorous approach, considering and correcting for various factors that could influence the results. These included:

Sex
Age
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Co-existing health conditions

The study uncovered a significant association between the FokI polymorphism and OSAS. Specifically, the CC genotype of the FokI polymorphism was found to be markedly higher in patients with OSAS compared to the control group. Moreover, the VDR FokI polymorphism explained a substantial 14.5% of the variability in vitamin D serum concentration. This suggests that individuals with certain genetic variations may be more prone to both vitamin D deficiency and sleep apnea.

The Future of Sleep Apnea Treatment: Personalized Approaches Based on Genetic Insights

This research marks a significant step forward in understanding the complex interplay between genetics, vitamin D, and sleep apnea. By identifying specific genetic variations that influence both vitamin D levels and OSAS risk, this study paves the way for more personalized treatment approaches. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms by which VDR polymorphisms contribute to OSAS. However, this study highlights the potential for targeted interventions, such as vitamin D supplementation or gene-based therapies, to mitigate OSAS risk and improve sleep quality.

About this Article -

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1089/omi.2018.0184, Alternate LINK

Title: Genetics Of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Vitamin D Receptor Gene Variation Affects Both Vitamin D Serum Concentration And Disease Susceptibility

Subject: Genetics

Journal: OMICS: A Journal of Integrative Biology

Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert Inc

Authors: Georgia Ragia, Kostas Archontogeorgis, Maurizio Simmaco, Giovanna Gentile, Marina Borro, Athanasios Zissimopoulos, Marios Froudarakis, Vangelis G. Manolopoulos, Paschalis Steiropoulos

Published: 2019-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS), and how might it relate to vitamin D?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This can lead to poor sleep quality and increase the risk of serious health issues. While obesity and age are known risk factors, genetics and vitamin D levels are also being investigated for their roles in OSAS.

Which genes did the researchers focus on, and who were the study participants?

The study focused on variations in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene, specifically looking at polymorphisms like FokI, BsmI, ApaI, and TaqI. Researchers analyzed how these genetic variations correlate with vitamin D serum concentrations and the presence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS). The study involved 176 participants, including 144 individuals diagnosed with OSAS and 32 healthy controls.

What specific genetic variation was found to be associated with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS), and how does it affect vitamin D levels?

The FokI polymorphism showed a significant association with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS). The CC genotype of the FokI polymorphism was markedly higher in patients with OSAS compared to the control group. Furthermore, the VDR FokI polymorphism explained 14.5% of the variability in vitamin D serum concentration, suggesting that specific genetic variations may predispose individuals to both vitamin D deficiency and sleep apnea.

How could this research lead to more personalized treatments for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) in the future?

This research highlights the potential for personalized treatment approaches for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) based on an individual's genetic makeup and vitamin D levels. For example, individuals with specific VDR polymorphisms and vitamin D deficiency might benefit from targeted interventions such as vitamin D supplementation or, in the future, gene-based therapies. However, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which VDR polymorphisms contribute to OSAS.

What is polysomnography (PSG), and why was it important in this study of sleep apnea and vitamin D?

Polysomnography (PSG) is a comprehensive sleep study used to assess sleep patterns and breathing disturbances. In the context of this research, PSG was used to accurately diagnose Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) in participants and to gather detailed data about their sleep quality. PSG is crucial for identifying the severity of OSAS and for understanding how genetic factors and vitamin D levels may influence sleep architecture.