Researchers have found that the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) increases at the weekend, leading to concerns about its impact on health and safety. The study, published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, analyzed data from 70,052 people who used a sleep sensor to track their heart rate, snoring, and sleep apnea.
The findings suggest that OSA symptoms worsen on Saturdays compared to Wednesdays, with an 18% higher risk of moderate to severe sleep apnea. The effect is more pronounced in men and younger individuals under the age of 60. Additionally, weekend “catch-up” sleep of over 45 minutes and social jetlag, or a clock-shift in sleep patterns, are associated with increased OSA severity.
While the study’s authors cannot prove the cause of the weekend increase, they suggest lifestyle factors such as increased drinking and smoking may contribute. Experts agree that addressing these issues, alongside diet and weight management, is crucial in tackling the condition.
The researchers emphasize the importance of this study due to its health and safety implications, including raised risks of stroke, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes, as well as impaired driving safety and reduced quality of life. Further research is needed to understand the underlying causes of OSA during weekends, but these findings highlight the need for vigilance in managing the condition.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/aug/13/obstructive-sleep-apnoea-increased-severity-weekends-research