Abstract
Abstract Introduction Exposure to particulate matter (PM) in the home environment is a modifiable risk factor for oxidative stress, a common and burdensome symptom of Central Sleep Apnea (CSA), a condition characterized by the brain temporarily not sending signals to the muscles that control breathing during sleep. Although previous research has established a greater likelihood of adverse health outcomes given environmental exposure, the effects of specific air pollutants have not been distinguished from other neighborhood factors. Moreover, recommendations to reduce exposure to PM have not been included in CSA treatment. This study aims to contribute to the development of predictive models that account for the impact of environment on severity of CSA symptoms among Black Americans. Methods Data were collected from 168 Blacks (69% female and 31% male, Mage 47.60 ±16.459yrs) that were enrolled in two NIH-funded community-based sleep studies, ESSENTIAL and MOSAIC. Sleep environment PM levels were assessed objectively with the IQAir device for a period of 7 days. During the same period, SleepImage ring devices were used to measure the number of paused breathing events during a sleep period and a score was generated based on the qualifying events of oxygen desaturation. Analyses of correlation matrices were conducted to explore the associations between CSA and PM exposure. Descriptive statistics were analyzed, and a regression analysis was performed to understand the association between CSA and PM. Analyses were performed using SPSS29. Results Exposure to PM 2.5 (fine inhalable particles with diameters measuring 2.5 micrometers and smaller) was highly correlated with Central Sleep Apnea (sAHI Central), with at least 10 qualifying events of 3% oxygen desaturation (r(165)=.465,p<.001) and 4% oxygen desaturation (r(165)=.473,p=<.001) during a sleep period. Regression analysis further revealed significant association between PM 2.5 and sAHI Central [β= .032; p< .001]. The model adjusted for age, sex, and an existing Sleep Apnea diagnosis. Conclusion Findings suggest that exposure to PM is a driving factor in oxygen desaturation in Blacks. These findings present an opportunity to influence population health by contextualizing the relationship between CSA and environmental factors among Black Americans. Support (if any) R01AG067523, R01HL142066, and T32HL166609-02