A groundbreaking international study presented at the 2025 American Thoracic Society conference has unveiled a significant connection between rising global temperatures and the increased incidence and severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This revelation underscores the profound impact of climate change on sleep health and overall well-being.
Study Overview
- Research Team: Led by Bastien Lechat, Senior Research Fellow at Flinders Health and Medicine Research Institute, South Australia.
- Data Collected: Analyzed sleep data from 125,295 individuals across 41 countries, spanning January 2020 to September 2023.
- Methodology: Utilized under-mattress sensors to monitor sleep patterns, correlating findings with ambient temperature data.(Time)
Key Findings
- Temperature and OSA Correlation: In 29 countries, higher nighttime temperatures were associated with a 45% increase in the likelihood of experiencing at least one apnea episode during sleep.
- Health Impact: The rise in OSA cases due to elevated temperatures led to an estimated loss of over 785,000 healthy life years in 2023 alone.
- Economic Consequences: This health decline translated to approximately $32 billion in lost workplace productivity globally in the same year.(Time)
Future Projections
- Climate Change Trajectory: If global temperatures rise by 2°C above pre-industrial levels, OSA prevalence could increase by 1.5 to 3 times by the year 2100.
- Current Status: The world surpassed a 1.5°C increase in 2024, indicating an urgent need for intervention.(Time)
Potential Mechanisms
- Sleep Disruption: Elevated temperatures may lead to lighter sleep stages, during which apnea episodes are more frequent.
- Behavioral Factors: Higher heat may discourage the use of CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) devices, essential for managing OSA.(Time)
The Importance of Sleep Health
“Sleep is the third pillar of health, alongside nutrition and exercise,” emphasizes Lechat. This study highlights the necessity of considering environmental factors, such as climate change, in the discourse on public health and sleep quality.(Time)
Source: Time.com – Climate Change Is Worsening Sleep Apnea
