A groundbreaking study presented at the ATS 2025 International Conference reveals that climbing temperatures significantly exacerbate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Moreover, under plausible climate change projections, the societal impact of OSA could double in most countries within the next 75 years. This research not only underscores the urgency of curbing global warming but also calls for immediate strategies to mitigate the health and economic burdens posed by an increasingly prevalent and severe condition.
The findings indicate a strong association between ambient temperature and OSA severity, with higher temperatures linked to a 45% increased likelihood of experiencing OSA on any given night. Regional disparities highlight that individuals in European countries may be more susceptible to rising OSA rates compared to those in Australia and the United States. Additionally, researchers estimate that climate change has already amplified the OSA burden by 50% to 100% since the year 2000.
This section explores how rising temperatures influence the prevalence and severity of OSA. The study analyzed data from over 116,000 users of an under-mattress sensor designed to assess OSA severity. Researchers identified a robust link between elevated ambient temperatures and increased OSA incidents. This connection varied across regions, with European populations showing greater vulnerability to temperature-induced OSA.
By examining half a million repeat measurements per user and correlating them with 24-hour temperature data from climate models, the study uncovered startling insights. Higher temperatures were associated with a significant rise in OSA occurrences. For instance, a sleeper was 45% more likely to experience OSA on warmer nights. This regional variation suggests that environmental factors might play a crucial role in shaping individual susceptibility to OSA. Understanding these dynamics is essential for developing region-specific interventions aimed at reducing the burden of this condition.
Researchers extended their analysis to forecast the societal and economic implications of increasing OSA prevalence due to climate change. Using sophisticated modeling techniques, they estimated the potential increase in OSA-related burdens under various climate scenarios. Their findings suggest that even a moderate rise in global temperatures could lead to a dramatic escalation in OSA-related challenges by the end of the century.
To quantify the societal impact, the team incorporated measures such as disability-adjusted-life-years, productivity losses, and health economics into their models. Results indicated that a 2-degree Celsius or higher temperature increase would cause a 1.5 to 3-fold surge in OSA burdens by 2100. Since 2000, climate change has already exacerbated the OSA burden by 50% to 100%. These alarming projections emphasize the need for effective diagnostic and treatment strategies to counteract the escalating effects of global warming on OSA prevalence. The researchers advocate for enhanced diagnosis and treatment rates to alleviate the growing health and productivity burdens caused by rising temperatures.