Impact of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea on Economies
Obstructive sleep apnoea is reportedly costing the economies of the US and UK over £137 billion ($185 billion) annually, as shown by recent research.
This serious health issue involves individuals temporarily stopping breathing during sleep, often accompanied by loud snoring and sudden awakenings gasping for air. Those affected frequently suffer from excessive fatigue during the day. It’s estimated that about a billion people worldwide have this condition, including roughly 8 million in the UK, though many remain undiagnosed. If left untreated, it can lead to higher risks of heart attacks and strokes.
A study conducted by University College London surveyed more than 4,000 adults in the US and UK. The findings indicated that around one-fifth of participants experienced breathing pauses on at least three nights a week along with significant daytime sleepiness, which are key symptoms used for diagnosing sleep apnoea.
The researchers then assessed the economic impact by looking at lost workdays and diminished work performance. Their analysis revealed that obstructive sleep apnoea costs the US economy about $180 billion (£133 billion) and the UK economy £4.2 billion each year. They believe this figure may be on the low side, as it doesn’t account for increased healthcare costs or expenses linked to accidents on the road or at work.
Published in the journal Thorax, the study advocates for workplace screening and earlier intervention. The authors stressed the need for policymakers to dedicate resources to create effective screening strategies and public health initiatives. They argued that identifying and treating obstructive sleep apnoea early, along with timely follow-ups, could potentially save billions in productivity costs each year.
However, while new low-cost technologies and diagnosis methods could simplify the detection of this condition, maintaining treatment isn’t always straightforward.
Statistics reveal that nearly two-thirds of patients discontinue the standard treatment, continuous positive airway pressure therapy. Other options like weight-loss medications, mouth guards, or hypoglossal nerve stimulation implants don’t work for everyone.
There’s also a concern among some workers about the repercussions of being diagnosed. The trade union Unite, representing many drivers in the transport sector, supports screening, but only if it ensures that drivers won’t face backlash. Adrian Jones, a national officer at Unite, highlighted that many professional drivers keep their sleep apnoea issues hidden due to fears of job loss. He urged that before rolling out screening initiatives, employers need to understand how manageable sleep apnoea is, assuring workers they will be supported, not dismissed, if problems are uncovered.
