New Study Advocates for Workplace Screening of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
A groundbreaking study has called for the implementation of workplace screening programmes to identify individuals with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), particularly those in roles where excessive daytime sleepiness could pose a risk to others. Published in the journal Thorax, the research from University College London highlights that this common sleep disorder affects approximately one in five adults in the United Kingdom, equating to around 10.8 million people.
The Scale and Impact of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Obstructive sleep apnoea is the most prevalent form of sleep apnoea, characterised by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep due to the relaxation and narrowing of throat walls. This disruption forces sufferers to wake up gasping for air throughout the night, leading to severe tiredness the following day. In extreme cases, individuals may struggle to stay awake, inadvertently falling asleep during daily activities.
The Sleep Apnoea Trust estimates that of the 10.8 million affected adults, about 3.9 million cases are moderate to severe. Alarmingly, the study reveals that 85 percent of OSA sufferers remain undiagnosed, with those experiencing daytime sleepiness being twice as likely to sustain injuries at work. The economic toll is substantial, with OSA costing the UK economy over £4.2 billion annually in lost productivity.
High-Risk Occupations and Screening Recommendations
The UCL research team specifically recommends screening workers in high-risk professions where sleep deprivation could endanger lives. These include:
- Surgeons
- Professional drivers
- Construction workers
- Carers for vulnerable children and adults
Employers are urged to recognise the potential dangers of sleep-deprived employees in such roles, as this not only jeopardises their own safety but also puts others at risk. The report emphasises that screening can now be conducted at low cost using wireless home testing devices, making it a feasible option for widespread implementation.
Advancements in Treatment and Economic Benefits
Historically, the primary treatment for OSA has been the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, which pumps air into a mask worn during sleep to improve breathing and sleep quality. However, many patients find it difficult to use consistently, leading to persistent issues.
The researchers note that there are now more effective and varied treatments available, including:
- Weight loss injections
- Custom mouth guards
- Implants to stimulate the tongue nerve
Early detection and treatment could result in substantial savings, potentially amounting to billions of pounds each year, by reducing healthcare costs and boosting productivity. The study argues that the broader workplace productivity burden of OSA likely exceeds the direct costs of screening and treatment, both in the UK and the USA.
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite the potential benefits, there is some resistance to workplace screening. Experts caution that a successful programme would need to offer employment guarantees to alleviate workers' fears of being penalised if their condition worsens. The Sleep Apnoea Trust supports screening considerations but stresses the importance of workplace support and necessary adjustments during diagnosis and treatment.
The researchers propose conducting trials in occupations where OSA is prevalent and has severe consequences, such as monitoring outcomes like road traffic accidents and absenteeism in screened versus standard care groups. They conclude that the time is approaching for such initiatives, urging policymakers to allocate resources for effective screening strategies and public health campaigns.
In summary, this study underscores the critical need for proactive measures to address obstructive sleep apnoea, advocating for workplace screening as a vital step towards enhancing safety, health, and economic efficiency.
