BECN1 gene expression was decreased in OSA patients versus PS subjects (0.69 ± 0.41 versus 1.02 ± 0.52 fold change, adjusted p = 0.013, Fig. 2D), and negatively correlated with percent time of SpO2<90% during rapid eye movement sleep (R = − 0.335, p = 0.007, Fig. 2E). This evidence concerns the gene BECN1 and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.