Understanding Sleep Apnoea in the UK: Key Facts, Figures and Health Implications
Posted on 17th March 2025 at 15:56
Sleep apnoea is a serious yet often overlooked sleep disorder that affects millions of people across the UK. It is characterised by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, leading to poor-quality rest and a range of associated health risks. Despite its prevalence, a significant number of people remain undiagnosed, increasing the risk of complications such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. This article explores key facts and figures about sleep apnoea in the UK, including its prevalence, risk factors, health implications and treatment options.
How Common is Sleep Apnoea in the UK?
Obstructive sleep apnoea, or OSA, is the most prevalent form of sleep apnoea. It occurs when the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, leading to disrupted breathing patterns. Current statistics show that:
1.5 million adults in the UK are affected by obstructive sleep apnoea
Up to 85 percent of cases remain undiagnosed, meaning a significant number of people suffer without receiving the appropriate treatment
The condition is more common in middle-aged and older adults, but can affect individuals of all ages
With so many people living with undiagnosed sleep apnoea, the condition poses a major public health concern. Increased awareness and screening are essential to ensure early diagnosis and intervention.
Who is at Risk of Developing Sleep Apnoea?
Several factors increase the likelihood of developing obstructive sleep apnoea, including:
Obesity: Excess weight is a leading risk factor, as fat deposits around the neck can obstruct the airway during sleep
Age: The risk of sleep apnoea increases with age, particularly in those over 40
Gender: Men are more likely to develop sleep apnoea than women, although postmenopausal women are also at increased risk
Neck circumference: A neck size greater than 41 cm (16 inches) is associated with a higher likelihood of airway obstruction during sleep
Lifestyle factors: Alcohol consumption, smoking and sedative use can all increase the risk of airway collapse during sleep
Understanding these risk factors is crucial for identifying individuals who may need further assessment for sleep apnoea.
The Impact of Sleep Apnoea on Health and Daily Life
Untreated sleep apnoea can have serious consequences for both short-term wellbeing and long-term health. Some of the most common effects include:
Daytime sleepiness: Frequent sleep interruptions lead to excessive daytime fatigue, reduced concentration and a higher risk of accidents
Cardiovascular diseases: Sleep apnoea is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke
Type 2 diabetes: The condition is associated with insulin resistance and an increased risk of developing diabetes
Mental health issues: Chronic fatigue and poor sleep quality contribute to higher levels of stress, anxiety and depression
Many people with sleep apnoea are unaware of their condition, as symptoms such as snoring, gasping for breath during sleep and frequent awakenings may go unnoticed. This is why it is essential to recognise the signs and seek medical advice if sleep quality is consistently poor.
The Economic Burden of Sleep Apnoea in the UK
Beyond its health implications, sleep apnoea also has a significant economic impact. The disorder contributes to:
Increased healthcare costs due to the management of associated conditions such as cardiovascular disease
Reduced workplace productivity, as poor sleep quality affects focus and efficiency
Higher accident rates, particularly among drivers and individuals operating heavy machinery
With so many undiagnosed cases, the financial burden of sleep apnoea on the NHS and wider economy is substantial. Addressing the issue through better screening and treatment could reduce costs and improve public health outcomes.
How is Sleep Apnoea Treated?
Fortunately, effective treatments are available for those diagnosed with sleep apnoea. The most common approach is CPAP therapy (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). This involves wearing a mask that delivers a steady flow of air to keep the airway open during sleep. Studies have shown that CPAP therapy can dramatically improve symptoms, reducing daytime sleepiness and lowering the risk of associated health complications.
Other treatment options include:
Lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption
Oral appliances, which help reposition the jaw to keep the airway open
Surgery, in severe cases where other treatments have not been effective
Seeking medical advice and undergoing a sleep study can help determine the best treatment approach for each individual.
Sleep apnoea in the UK is a widespread and often undiagnosed condition with serious health implications. With 1.5 million adults affected and up to 85 percent undiagnosed, raising awareness is essential for early detection and treatment. Left untreated, sleep apnoea can contribute to heart disease, diabetes and reduced quality of life.
Fortunately, effective management strategies such as CPAP therapy and lifestyle changes can significantly improve symptoms and overall health. If you or someone you know experiences persistent snoring, daytime fatigue or other signs of sleep apnoea, seeking professional advice is crucial for long-term wellbeing.
For more information, organisations such as Asthma + Lung UK and The Sleep Apnoea Trust provide valuable resources on diagnosis and treatment options.
How can we help:
Academy Care, are a domiciliary care company, providing support to individuals whom for reasons of ill health or disability, could benefit from long or short-term domiciliary care services in the comfort and familiar surroundings of their own home. Our highly trained, passionate carers, support people daily in their own homes, to optimise both their independence and wellbeing.
We create tailored care plans to meet the needs of all our clients, working with the client, their family and any medical or social services to ensure that the client gets the very best care for them. We also continuously monitor these care plans to ensure that they are up to date with the needs of the client, as needs can change very quickly.
We will work with you, the client’s family to deliver the care, helping to ensure that everyone involved is happy with the care being provided and that the client’s needs are being met through our service.
If you would like to discuss how we can help you, give us a call on 01924 925 244, alternatively look at our services here.
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