Regular consumption of cheese may significantly reduce the risk of sleep apnoea, a condition marked by throat closure during sleep that causes severe snoring, according to new research. A study involving 400,000 participants conducted by researchers from Chengdu University, China, found that cheese lovers had a 28% lower risk of developing the disorder.
The findings challenge long-held advice to avoid dairy products before bed. Published in the journal Sleep Medicine, the research highlights 20 ways cheese could lower sleep apnoea risk, including boosting testosterone levels and reducing blood pressure.
Diet’s Broader Role in Sleep Health
Another study linked healthier diets, particularly plant-based ones, to a nearly 20% reduction in sleep apnoea risk. Dr. Yohannes Melaku of Flinders University emphasized that such diets may reduce inflammation and obesity, two major contributors to the condition.
Sleep apnoea occurs when airways become blocked during sleep, leading to breathing interruptions. The studies collectively underscore the importance of dietary choices in managing and preventing this common sleep disorder.
