A recent study explored a potential connection between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) in women. The findings published in the Sleep and Breathing Journal underline the importance of understanding the interplay between sleep disorders and urological conditions.
This study investigated the frequency of BPS/IC in women diagnosed with OSA when compared to those without OSA. A total of 92 women participated, where 46 were diagnosed with OSA and an equal number serving as the control group. Various assessments including the Berlin Questionnaire, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index (ICSI) and Interstitial Cystitis Problem Index (ICPI) were evaluated in all participants.

The results revealed that women with OSA expressed higher scores on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale which indicates increased daytime sleepiness, while there were no significant differences in age and body mass index between the two groups. Also, the measures of BPS/IC symptoms (ICSI) and associated daily life disruptions (ICPI) were significantly increased in the OSA group when compared to controls.
The ICSI symptoms and subsequent problems in daily life caused by the symptoms (ICPI) were experienced at a higher rate in patients with OSA than in the control group by emphasizing the observed relationship between BPS/IC and OSA.
These findings add to the growing body of research which highlights the intricate relationship between sleep disorders and urological conditions. The recent studies suggest potential pathways that involve in neurogenic inflammation and disrupted sleep architecture, while the exact mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear.
Understanding the link between OSA and BPS/IC is pivotal to improve patient care and management strategies. Overall, findings like these pave the way for more targeted interventions and tailored treatment approaches that can ultimately enhance the well-being of individuals with obstructive sleep apnea.
Reference:
Çoşğun, İ. G., & Gürel, A. (2023). Obstructive sleep apnea and bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis in women. In Sleep and Breathing. Springer Science and Business Media LLC. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11325-023-02967-1