Story perspectives

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Costs US, UK £137bn Annually

2/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

The annual cost of obstructive sleep apnoea for US and UK economies exceeds £137bn ($185bn), affecting about 1 billion people worldwide.
A University College London study of over 4,000 adults found about 20% reported symptoms indicative of obstructive sleep apnoea.
The economic impact includes lost workdays and decreased productivity.
Treatment adherence is low, with nearly two-thirds discontinuing standard therapy.
Unite supports screening and calls for job security for drivers.

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Story summary

The annual cost of obstructive sleep apnoea for US and UK economies exceeds £137bn ($185bn), affecting about 1 billion people worldwide.
A University College London study of over 4,000 adults found about 20% reported symptoms indicative of obstructive sleep apnoea.
The economic impact includes lost workdays and decreased productivity.
Treatment adherence is low, with nearly two-thirds discontinuing standard therapy.
Unite supports screening and calls for job security for drivers.