Study Reveals Weekend Spike in Sleep Apnea Severity

A significant new study from Flinders University has identified a striking pattern in the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), showing that it intensifies during the weekends. This phenomenon, termed “social apnea,” indicates that individuals are up to **47%** more likely to experience severe OSA if they sleep in or alter their routines over the weekend. The findings highlight the need for better diagnostic practices in assessing this common yet often under-diagnosed sleep disorder.

Researchers analyzed data from **70,052 participants**, primarily middle-aged men with an average age of **53 years**, across **23 countries**. Utilizing a validated under-mattress sensor, the study monitored participants for an average of nearly **500 nights**. This approach allowed the researchers to assess nightly breathing patterns without relying solely on existing OSA diagnoses. By applying the same severity criteria used in clinical settings, they could determine who was experiencing mild, moderate, or severe OSA each night.

The study revealed a significant discrepancy in OSA severity between weekdays and weekends. Participants were **18%** more likely to experience moderate-to-severe OSA on Saturdays compared to weekdays. The increase was particularly pronounced among men, who faced a **21%** higher risk, and younger adults under **60 years**, with a **24%** increase in severity. Those who indulged in sleeping in—specifically, an increase of **45 minutes or more** on weekends—faced an alarming **47%** rise in severe OSA risk.

Dr. Lucia Pinilla, the lead author from FHMRI Sleep Health at Flinders University, emphasized the implications of these findings. “Sleep apnea is already a major public health issue, but our findings suggest its true impact may be underestimated,” she stated. Current clinical practices typically focus on single-night testing, often conducted midweek, which overlooks the pronounced weekend effects.

The term “social apnea” reflects the disruption in sleep routines associated with increased social activities and late-night behaviors during weekends. While the exact reasons behind the heightened severity remain unclear, researchers suggest behaviors such as late nights, alcohol consumption, and inconsistent use of OSA therapies are likely contributors.

Professor Danny Eckert, Director of FHMRI Sleep Health and a senior author of the study, pointed out the limitations of relying on midweek sleep studies. “Relying on a single-night sleep study may miss important variations, leading to underdiagnosis or misclassification of OSA severity,” he explained. He urged individuals with OSA to maintain a consistent sleep schedule throughout the week, recommending **seven to nine hours** of sleep each night.

In related research, a separate team at Flinders University, led by Bastien Lechat, investigated the impact of seasonal changes on OSA severity. The findings indicated that OSA severity increases by **8-19%** during summer and winter months compared to spring and autumn. Higher temperatures in summer disrupt sleep patterns, while winter leads to longer sleep durations and more time spent in REM sleep, both of which are associated with more frequent apnea events.

The cumulative evidence from these studies underscores the necessity for comprehensive sleep assessments that consider variability across both weekends and seasons. With an estimated **one billion people** affected by OSA globally, the consequences of untreated sleep apnea—including heightened risks for heart disease, diabetes, cognitive decline, and depression—cannot be overlooked.

The social apnea study has been published in The American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, contributing valuable insights to the field of sleep health and emphasizing the importance of tailored diagnostic approaches.

Given the potential health risks linked to the weekend spike in OSA severity, individuals are encouraged to be proactive in maintaining their sleep habits, ensuring they prioritize restorative sleep even on their days off.