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

A University College London‑led study estimates obstructive sleep apnoea causes large productivity losses, costing the US about £133bn and the UK about £4.2bn annually; roughly one in five surveyed adults reported core symptoms consistent with the condition.

Researchers report that obstructive sleep apnoea, a condition marked by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, has a large economic impact in the US and UK. A survey led by University College London of more than 4,000 adults found about one in five people reported breathing pauses on multiple nights plus daytime sleepiness, meeting core criteria used for diagnosis. The authors estimated lost workdays and reduced workplace performance account for $180bn (about £133bn) a year in the US and £4.2bn a year in the UK. They added the figures likely understate the full burden because medical costs and accident-related costs were not included. Key points: - The study surveyed over 4,000 adults in the UK and US and found about a fifth reported core symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea. - Estimated annual productivity losses were $180bn (≈£133bn) for the US and £4.2bn for the UK, together roughly £137bn. - The analysis excluded medical spending and costs from road traffic and workplace accidents, so the authors describe the totals as likely underestimates. - The paper calls for workplace screening and earlier treatment, and it notes many patients have difficulty sustaining standard CPAP therapy. Summary: The research suggests obstructive sleep apnoea imposes substantial productivity losses across the US and UK and that the reported figures probably underestimate the total economic burden. The authors call for workplace screening and earlier treatment and highlight limits to current therapies and challenges with long‑term adherence.