Examining the relationship between opioid use and symptom-defined obstructive sleep apnea and sleep duration: A cross-sectional study.

Authors

Cheng Li, Yan Mei, Pei Xie, Taotao Lu, Jinchen Huang, Zhang Zhao

Published in

Medicine. Volume 105. Issue 24. Pages e49192. Jun 12, 2026.

Abstract

Opioids are widely used for pain management, but their impact on sleep and respiratory function remains a concern. This study examines the association between opioid use, symptom-defined obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and sleep duration. A cross-sectional observational study utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey assessed self-reported opioid use. Multiple regression analyses and subgroup evaluations were conducted to explore potential relationships. Opioid use was categorized into short-term (<90 days) and long-term (≥90 days) use. In the general population, opioid use was associated with a higher prevalence of possible OSA but not with sleep duration. Long-term opioid use was independently associated with higher odds of possible OSA among individuals with alcohol consumption, hypertension, diabetes, oral pain, and cancer. Moreover, individuals younger than 60 years of age, males, those with a body mass index ≥30.0 kg/m2 and alcohol consumers exhibited reduced sleep duration linked to opioid use, specifically when used long-term. Opioid use is associated with higher odds of possible OSA in the general population and with sleep reduction in specific subgroups. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring sleep and breathing, especially in patients receiving long-term opioid therapy.

PMID:
42299519
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 16 Jun 2026.

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