How Climate Change Worsens Obstructive Sleep Apnea: What You Need to Know

Rising temperatures could make obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) worse, according to a new study presented at the ATS 2025 International Conference. This research suggests that, if climate change continues, the impact of OSA could double in many countries over the next 75 years.

Bastien Lechat, a senior research fellow at Flinders University, emphasized the urgent need to limit global warming and address OSA. “This study highlights the societal burden that comes with the increasing prevalence of OSA due to rising temperatures,” he said.

While previous studies hinted at a connection between temperature and OSA, this new research goes deeper. It analyzed data from over 116,000 users of an under-mattress sensor designed to estimate OSA severity. Each user contributed around 500 measurements. The researchers then compared this data with ambient temperatures from climate models.

The results showed that higher temperatures increased the likelihood of experiencing OSA by 45%. Interestingly, the impact varied by region. In Europe, people faced a more significant risk compared to those in Australia or the U.S.

Dr. Lechat expressed surprise at how strongly temperature affects OSA severity. Researchers also looked at the societal costs of increased OSA, incorporating factors like health loss and economic productivity. They found that if temperatures rise by 2 degrees Celsius or more, the burden from OSA could increase by 1.5 to 3 times by 2100. Notably, they estimate that climate change has already raised the OSA burden by 50% to 100% since the year 2000.

The findings add to the growing evidence that climate change poses a serious threat to our health. Dr. Lechat pointed out the need for better diagnosis and treatment for OSA: “The high rates of undiagnosed and untreated OSA worsen the impact of global warming.” Improved diagnosis could help lessen health risks and workplace productivity losses linked to OSA.

Looking ahead, the research team aims to investigate ways to mitigate the effects of temperature on OSA and explore the biological links between temperature and sleep apnea severity. As we continue to face climate change, these insights could inform future health strategies.

For more on the health impacts of climate change, explore the World Health Organization for comprehensive resources.

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