Obstructive sleep apnoea inflicts an economic burden exceeding £137 billion ($185 billion) annually on the economies of the United States and the United Kingdom, as revealed by recent research. This serious health condition causes individuals to temporarily stop breathing during sleep, often accompanied by loud snoring and sudden awakenings gasping for air. It affects approximately 1 billion people worldwide, including 8 million in the UK, with an estimated 85% of cases going undiagnosed. Untreated sleep apnoea significantly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
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The study, led by researchers at University College London, involved a survey of over 4,000 adults in both countries. The findings indicated that about 20% of respondents reported experiencing breathing pauses on three or more nights, along with excessive daytime sleepiness—key indicators for diagnosing sleep apnoea. The researchers calculated that obstructive sleep apnoea costs the US economy approximately $180 billion (£133 billion) annually, while the UK incurs costs of around £4.2 billion. They noted that these figures may underrepresent the true economic impact, as they do not account for increased medical expenses or costs due to accidents on the road and at work.
Published in the journal Thorax, the study advocates for workplace screening and early intervention. The authors stated, "Given the significant yet often overlooked burden of obstructive sleep apnoea and its economic impact, we urge policymakers to allocate resources towards developing an effective screening strategy and implementing targeted public health campaigns and policies." They emphasized that early detection and treatment could lead to substantial savings in productivity, potentially saving billions annually.
While advancements in low-cost technologies and screening algorithms may facilitate easier diagnoses, maintaining treatment remains a challenge. Nearly two-thirds of patients discontinue continuous positive airway pressure therapy, the standard treatment for the condition. Alternative options, such as weight loss medications, mouth guards, and hypoglossal nerve stimulation implants, are not universally applicable. Concerns about job security may also deter some workers from seeking help. The trade union Unite, representing many drivers in road haulage and passenger transport, supports screening on the condition that workers are adequately protected. Adrian Jones, Unite's national officer, noted, "Professional drivers often hide issues of sleep apnoea out of fear of losing their jobs. Before introducing screening, employers must be fully educated that sleep apnoea can be effectively managed. Workers must have the confidence that they will be supported, not dismissed, if a problem is identified."