Obstructive sleep apnoea costs UK and US economies 137bn a year, research finds

"Obstructive sleep apnoea costs the US and UK economies more than 137bn ($185bn) a year, according to research. People with the serious health condition repeatedly stop breathing temporarily while asleep; they tend to snore very loudly and can wake up gasping for breath. Sufferers will also often experience excessive daytime fatigue. The condition is thought to affect about 1 billion people globally including 8 million in the UK though up to 85% are undiagnosed."

"The authors calculated that each year, obstructive sleep apnoea cost the US economy $180bn (133bn) and the UK economy 4.2bn. This is probably an underestimate, they concluded, as the analysis did not include increased medical expenditure or the costs of road traffic and workplace accidents."

"Early identification and treatment of [obstructive sleep apnoea], along with proactive early follow-up, could result in substantial savings, potentially amounting to billions annually in productivity costs. 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."

Obstructive sleep apnoea, a serious condition causing repeated breathing interruptions during sleep, affects approximately 1 billion people worldwide, including 8 million in the UK. The condition results in loud snoring, gasping awakenings, and excessive daytime fatigue. A University College London study surveying over 4,000 adults found that about one-fifth experienced breathing pauses and daytime sleepiness meeting diagnostic criteria. The research calculated annual economic costs at $180 billion for the US and £4.2 billion for the UK, primarily from lost workdays and reduced workplace performance. These figures likely underestimate total costs, excluding medical expenses and accident-related losses. Untreated sleep apnoea increases risks of heart attack and stroke. Researchers recommend workplace screening, earlier treatment, and public health campaigns to address this significant yet often-overlooked burden.

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