Possible link between sitting, sleep apnea

January 27, 2009 Canadian researchers report that a long day of sitting around may shift the volume of body fluid from the legs to the neck.

Apparently, the greater the fluid shift, the worse the apnea, which can involve a blockage of the upper airway.

Obesity is known to increase the likelihood of obstructive sleep apnea, but as many as 60 percent of people who have the sleep disorder are not overweight. A sedentary lifestyle may play a role.

There is more on this report in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.