Neglected burden of obstructive sleep apnoea: workplace productivity loss in the USA and UK

Thorax 2026

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Authors: Umar Rehman, Yuju Ahn, Erez Yerushalmi, Mohamed Abdelwahab, Nicholas Eynon-Lewis, Jacklyn Liu, Liam Sutton, F Christopher Holsinger, Robson Capasso, Marie-Lise Côté, Ryan Chin Taw Cheong, Bhik T. Kotecha
+3 more Maurice Moyses Ohayon, Marco Hafner, Matt Lechner
DOI: 10.1136/thorax-2025-223550
Cited by: 1
References: 8

Abstract

This study estimates the prevalence and workplace productivity burden of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) syndrome in the UK and USA, using self-reported breathing pauses and excessive daytime sleepiness as a proxy. The prevalence of OSA syndrome was 22.8% in the USA and 19.5% in the UK. Annual productivity losses were estimated at US$180.2 billion in the USA and £4.22 billion in the UK. In the UK and USA, individual-level productivity losses exceeded the cost of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment, suggesting that improved identification, access to treatment and adherence could yield significant economic benefits in both countries.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Research Sleep and related disorders Restless Legs Syndrome Research

Publication details

Journal / source
Thorax
Publisher
BMJ
Volume
81
Issue
5
Pages
492–494
Publication date
24 February 2026
Language
EN