Neglected Burden of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea: Workplace Productivity Loss in the US and UK

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