A new study has revealed that Britons suffering from obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) face a significantly elevated risk of death and major cardiovascular complications. Individuals with this common breathing disorder, characterized by repeated cessation and starting of breathing during sleep, were found to be 71 per cent more likely to experience serious events such as heart attacks and strokes, or to die from any cause. These critical findings, which underscore the urgent need for effective obesity management, are scheduled for presentation at the European Congress on Obesity.

Researchers from Imperial College Health Partners conducted a robust analysis of health records, comparing over 20,000 adults in north-west London diagnosed with OSA against approximately 100,000 individuals without the condition over a four-year period. Despite similar obesity levels across both groups, the study revealed that about 26 per cent of OSA sufferers experienced a cardiovascular event or died, compared to 17.5 per cent in the non-OSA group. After meticulously adjusting for confounding factors like smoking and pre-existing health issues, the 71 per cent increased overall risk of cardiovascular events or death among those with OSA remained statistically significant. Beyond cardiovascular health, the study also indicated that people with OSA are more prone to developing conditions such as diabetes, osteoarthritis, and anxiety.

The prevalence of OSA in the UK is alarming and projected to grow. The Sleep Apnoea Trust estimates around 10 million Britons may currently live with OSA. In 2020, it was reported that a third of adults aged 30 to 69 had OSA, a figure predicted to rise to 45 per cent by 2035. Looking further ahead, an international research team projects that by 2050, 54 per cent of men and 49 per cent of women in Britain aged 30 to 69 will have OSA, up from 39 per cent and 36 per cent respectively. This surge will see the number of people with the condition in the UK jump from approximately 7.7 million to 11.9 million.

Excess weight is identified as the primary cause of OSA. Obese individuals often accumulate more fatty tissue in their necks, which can constrict and narrow the airway, making it more susceptible to collapse during sleep. Furthermore, obesity itself contributes to a higher risk of high blood pressure and other heart problems, exacerbating the dangers associated with OSA.

The symptoms of OSA, as described by the NHS, include loud snoring, gasping, snorting, or choking noises during sleep, and frequent waking throughout the night. Persistent fatigue during the day is another common indicator, which can lead to difficulties with concentration and an increased risk of accidents related to tiredness.

If left untreated, OSA can lead to a cascade of serious health complications. These include high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, depression, and significant mood changes. Critically, sleep apnoea can cause individuals to enter a state of hypoxia, where insufficient oxygen levels in the blood, sometimes reaching dangerously low levels, prompt the brain to wake the sleeper. Repeated bouts of hypoxia can inflict long-term damage, potentially reducing focus while awake, killing brain cells, and causing dizziness, headaches, impaired judgment, and memory problems. Another less common, but noted, symptom is excessive drooling during sleep, as individuals may resort to mouth breathing due to obstructed nasal airways.

Diagnosing OSA can be challenging for individuals on their own; the NHS suggests asking someone to observe sleep for symptoms. Management and treatment strategies include using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, which delivers a steady stream of air to keep airways open. Lifestyle interventions are also crucial, encompassing weight loss, regular exercise, maintaining a consistent sleep routine, ensuring a dark and quiet bedroom, and sleeping on one's side. The NHS also strongly advises against smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and warns against using sleeping pills unless prescribed by a doctor.

Heather Fitzke, a co-author from Imperial College Health Partners, emphasized the study's implications: "In adults, obstructive sleep apnea is linked to higher risk of cardiovascular events or all-cause mortality, especially among those with obesity, even after adjusting for confounders. These findings underscore the need for effective obesity management and highlight the importance of early screening and timely diagnosis." She also noted this study's significance as the largest matched case-control study of OSA outside the U.S. The study itself was sponsored by Lilly, a manufacturer of obesity and diabetes medications.