What question did this study set out to answer?

To estimate the prevalence and economic impact of obstructive sleep apnoea on workplace productivity in the USA and UK.

February 26, 2026

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

Key Points

To estimate the prevalence and economic impact of obstructive sleep apnoea on workplace productivity in the USA and UK.
Estimated OSA prevalence using self-reported breathing pauses and daytime sleepiness.
Calculated annual productivity losses associated with OSA.
Compared costs of OSA-related losses to CPAP treatment costs.
Prevalence of OSA: 22.8% in the USA and 19.5% in the UK.
Annual productivity losses were $180.2 billion in the USA and £4.22 billion in the UK.
Productivity losses exceeded the cost of CPAP treatment, suggesting economic benefits from better treatment access.

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 US180. 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.

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