Study Reveals-Weekend Habits Linked to Spike in Sleep Apnoea Severity

Late nights, weekend alcohol, and smoking could be doing more than just disrupting sleep-they may be triggering a newly identified sleep health issue called "social apnea", according to a global study led by Flinders University researchers. The findings, published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, shed light on a significant weekend spike in Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) severity, driven by lifestyle choices and irregular sleep routines. The study analysed sleep data from over 70,000 people across the world and found a consistent, measurable rise in OSA severity on weekends. Researchers from FHMRI Sleep Health coined the term "social apnea" to describe this weekend-specific deterioration in sleep quality.

The analysis revealed that participants were 18% more likely to experience moderate to severe OSA on Saturdays compared to mid-week. Men were more affected than women, with a 21% increased risk versus 9%. Younger adults under 60 were particularly vulnerable, with a 24% rise in weekend OSA risk, while those over 60 saw a 7% increase. Changes like sleeping in for over 45 minutes worsened apnea severity by 47%.