Illustration of a person sleeping peacefully surrounded by healthy food, symbolizing the connection between sleep apnea treatment and improved diet.

Decoding Sleep Apnea: Can Treating It Improve Your Diet?

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Theo Raines in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"New research explores the link between sleep apnea treatment and healthier eating habits."


Sleep apnea, a common disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, has long been associated with various health issues, including cardiovascular problems and metabolic disorders. However, recent research suggests a surprising connection: treating sleep apnea may positively influence dietary habits.

A study presented at SLEEP 2018 investigated the impact of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, a standard treatment for sleep apnea, on the dietary choices of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The findings reveal a potential link between improved sleep and healthier eating, offering new insights into managing OSA and its related health risks.

This article delves into the details of the study, exploring how CPAP treatment might lead to better food choices and discussing the implications for individuals seeking to improve their overall well-being.

The CPAP-Diet Connection: How Treating Sleep Apnea Can Influence Your Eating Habits

Illustration of a person sleeping peacefully surrounded by healthy food, symbolizing the connection between sleep apnea treatment and improved diet.

The study, conducted at George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates Center for Sleep Disorders, followed 104 patients with OSA. Researchers tracked the participants' dietary habits using tools like the Rapid Eating Assessment for Patients (REAP) and surveys from the National Cancer Institute and NIH. The goal was to determine if there was a correlation between CPAP treatment and changes in dietary patterns.

After analyzing the data, the researchers discovered that among the 43 patients who consistently used CPAP, there was a notable association between CPAP use and healthier dietary choices. Specifically, these patients showed improvements in REAP scores, increased their consumption of fruits and vegetables, and reduced their intake of energy from fat.

  • Improved REAP Scores: Participants showed better overall scores on the Rapid Eating Assessment for Patients (REAP), indicating healthier eating patterns.
  • Increased Fruit and Vegetable Consumption: Those using CPAP therapy consumed more fruits and vegetables.
  • Decreased Energy from Fat: A reduction in the percentage of energy derived from fat was observed.
Adherence to CPAP therapy was crucial. Patients who used CPAP for more than 4 hours per day experienced the most significant improvements in their dietary habits. This suggests that consistent treatment is key to unlocking the potential dietary benefits of CPAP.

What This Means for You: Practical Takeaways and Future Directions

The study's findings suggest that treating sleep apnea with CPAP therapy may have a positive ripple effect, extending beyond sleep quality to influence dietary habits. This is particularly relevant for individuals with OSA who are also struggling with weight management or unhealthy eating patterns.

While the study highlights a promising connection, it's essential to remember that it establishes an association, not causation. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which CPAP therapy might influence dietary choices. However, the results underscore the importance of addressing sleep apnea as part of a holistic approach to health and wellness.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, prioritizing consistent CPAP use could not only improve your sleep but also potentially support healthier eating habits. Consult with your healthcare provider to discuss the best treatment options and strategies for managing your overall health.

About this Article -

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Everything You Need To Know

1

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. This can lead to various health issues, including cardiovascular problems and metabolic disorders. The study presented at SLEEP 2018, explored the link between treating sleep apnea and dietary habits.

2

What is CPAP therapy?

CPAP therapy, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure therapy, is a standard treatment for sleep apnea. The study at George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates Center for Sleep Disorders found that consistent use of CPAP therapy, particularly for more than 4 hours per day, was associated with healthier dietary choices in patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

3

What is the Rapid Eating Assessment for Patients (REAP)?

The Rapid Eating Assessment for Patients (REAP) is a tool used to track the dietary habits of participants in the study. Improvements in REAP scores were observed in patients who consistently used CPAP therapy, indicating an improvement in their overall eating patterns. This suggests that CPAP therapy might help people make healthier choices.

4

How did CPAP therapy affect eating habits in the study?

The study revealed that those using CPAP therapy consumed more fruits and vegetables, which is a positive change. Additionally, there was a reduction in the intake of energy derived from fat. These dietary changes suggest that treating sleep apnea with CPAP can positively impact eating habits, potentially leading to better overall health outcomes for individuals struggling with OSA.

5

What are the implications of this study's findings?

The implications of these findings are that treating sleep apnea with CPAP therapy might lead to a positive change in dietary habits. This is especially significant for those with OSA and related issues such as weight management. By improving sleep quality through CPAP therapy, individuals may also be more inclined and better able to make healthier food choices, improving their overall health and well-being.

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