According to research published in the journal Sleep, those with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may have a much-increased risk of long Covid.

The researchers examined data from three study networks containing individuals who tested positive for Covid-19 between March 2020 and February 2022. Adult patients were represented by two networks, with 330,000 and 1.7 million patients, respectively. The third group consisted of 102,000 children.

In contrast to the trends observed in adults, when the researchers adjusted for other risk factors, such as obesity, the impact of sleep apnoea on the risk of long Covid diminished in children.

The researchers discovered that even after adjusting for obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and hospitalization at the time of their initial Covid infection, the substantial increase in risk of developing long Covid in individuals with OSA still remained. 

Women were 89% more likely than males to have lengthy Covid if they had OSA, whereas men were 59% more likely. The severity of obstructive sleep apnea was not accounted for. However, women are more likely to go untreated.

Long Covid comprises one or more symptoms that people may have for weeks, months, or years after contracting Covid-19.

Scientists stated that there is still more to learn about extended Covid, but this study will help clinical treatment by identifying people who need to be regularly monitored. People with sleep apnea who become infected with Covid should seek treatment as soon as possible, pay attention to their symptoms, and stay up to date on their vaccines to reduce the likelihood of infection in the first place.

 (Souce: https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/health/sleep-apnoea-may-raise-risk-of-long-covid-reveals-study-507212)