Scientists from the University of Michigan (USA) suggest that those who suffer from sleep apnea or difficulty breathing normally at night look worse and are considered less attractive. The snoring and interruptions of breathing typical of this disorder would cause the appearance of swelling and redness on the face due to poor oxygenation.
To obtain this conclusion, the researchers subjected a sample of individuals to viewing photographs of patients with apnea who had been treated for the disorder and also who had not received any treatment. The volunteers found that patients who had managed to fall asleep without respiratory disturbances were more attractive and jovial than those who continued to suffer from them.
The scientists also used a face mapping technique and a panel of objective appearance indicators that revealed changes in the physiognomy of the face in the patients throughout the treatment, with specific effects such as the reduction of facial wrinkles.
Sleep apnea affects millions of adults, many undiagnosed, who, in addition to experiencing poor quality sleep that affects their physical appearance, are at increased risk of cardiovascular problems and occupational accidents.
