Employers Urged to Screen for Sleep Apnoea to Boost Productivity

Recent research has prompted calls for workplaces to implement screening for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), a condition that significantly affects productivity. The study highlights that OSA could be responsible for an estimated annual productivity loss of up to £4.22 billion in the United Kingdom alone, particularly in roles where daytime drowsiness poses safety risks, such as driving.

Obstructive sleep apnoea occurs when the walls of the throat relax, narrowing or closing during sleep. Symptoms include loud snoring, choking noises, and frequent awakenings throughout the night. It is believed to impact approximately eight million individuals in the UK, leaving many feeling excessively tired during the day, which can lead to mood swings and difficulties in concentrating.

Economic Implications of Untreated OSA

A study conducted by experts from both the UK and the United States examined the economic impact of OSA using data from the 2021 census. The analysis revealed that around 7% of working-age adults, between the ages of 18 and 64, met the criteria for OSA. This translates to an estimated loss of £1,840 per worker each year due to reduced productivity and absenteeism.

The researchers emphasized the need for policymakers to focus on developing effective screening strategies and public health campaigns. They stated, “Given the significant yet often-overlooked burden of OSA syndrome and its economic impact, we urge policymakers to allocate resources towards developing an effective screening strategy and implementing targeted public health campaigns and policies.” The study suggests that early identification and treatment of OSA could lead to “substantial savings” for the economy.

Guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends that individuals in high-risk occupations, such as drivers, pilots, and surgeons, should be promptly assessed for OSA. Nonetheless, the research indicates that there is “limited data about occupational consequences of OSA” in these professions. Alarmingly, around 85% of individuals suffering from OSA in the UK remain undiagnosed.

Advancements in Treatment and Screening Recommendations

The primary treatment for OSA involves the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, which deliver pressurized air to keep the airways open during sleep. While effective, many patients find these devices uncomfortable. Recently, the GLP-1 receptor agonist tirzepatide, marketed as Mounjaro, has been approved in the US for individuals with moderate to severe OSA who are obese.

Researchers noted that “sleep apnoea can now be easily identified” and highlighted new tools that can pinpoint high-risk occupations. They also pointed out that treatment options for OSA are improving, with better adherence interventions for CPAP therapy and new non-CPAP therapies on the horizon. “We suggest the time is now approaching for a trial of workplace screening in an exemplar high-risk occupational group,” they added.

The potential for workplace screening raises concerns among some workers about the possibility of repercussions if they cannot tolerate treatment. To address these worries, the researchers advocated for any successful screening program to ensure job security for those undergoing assessment and treatment. They proposed that the best way to determine the effectiveness of workplace screening would be to evaluate its impact in high-risk jobs, such as professional driving, and analyze relevant outcomes like road traffic incidents and absenteeism among screened individuals compared to those receiving standard care.

The findings have garnered support from organizations like the Sleep Apnoea Trust, which emphasized the importance of creating a supportive environment for employees. They stated, “It is very important that workplaces support their employees by not penalising them if they come forward, and that employers make the necessary adjustments while employees go through the process of clinical diagnosis and treatment.” The trust welcomes the idea of screening programs but stresses the need for increased funding for treatments to meet the anticipated demand.

Adrian Jones, a national officer at the workers’ union Unite, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting that many professional drivers often conceal sleep apnoea symptoms due to fears of job loss. “Before introducing screening, employers must be fully educated that sleep apnoea can be effectively managed,” he said. “Workers must have the confidence that they will be supported, not dismissed, if a problem is identified.”

As the conversation around workplace health evolves, the call for systematic screening for obstructive sleep apnoea could lead to significant benefits for both employees and employers, fostering safer working environments and improved productivity.