Metabolomics, sleepiness, and sleep duration in sleep apnea

Although the mechanism is unclear, daytime sleepiness, a common sequela of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), has been found to be correlated with a adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Reviewing metabolomics mechanisms of sleep disturbances and cardiovascular disease may help to explain this correlation. This review examines the current literature on the relationships between sleepiness, sleep duration, and metabolites in sleep apnea. Although there is a lack of comprehensive literature in this emerging area, existing studies point to a variety of metabolites in different pathways that are associated with sleepiness and sleep duration. Advancing metabolomics research in sleep apnea will guide symptom research and provide alternate and novel opportunities for effective treatment for patients with OSA.