Heatwaves Linked to Significant Rise in Sleep Apnea Cases, New Research Shows
LONDON – A new study reveals a direct correlation between rising temperatures adn an increased prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAH), commonly known as sleep apnea. Researchers at the Adelaide Sleep Institute in Australia, analyzing sleep data from over 67,000 Europeans across five summers, found a 13% increase in the risk of moderate to severe OSAH during heatwave peaks.
The study, published September 28, 2025, in the European Respiratory Journal, further demonstrates that for each 1°C increase in nighttime temperature during a heatwave, the occurrence of the syndrome rose by 1.1%. High humidity exacerbated this risk.
Sleep apnea is characterized by snoring, jerky breathing, and frequent awakenings due to repeated obstruction of the airway. It’s linked to serious health complications including high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
Researchers attribute the increased OSAH rates during heatwaves to several factors. “Hot nights often disrupt sleep, making it lighter and more fragmented,” the study authors explain. Heat can also lead to water retention, potentially worsening OSAH. Additionally, individuals might potentially be less inclined to use continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines – a common treatment for sleep apnea – in hot weather, and dehydration can further contribute to the problem.
“Our results show that during heatwaves, obstructive sleep apnea becomes more frequent and more serious,” the researchers conclude. They advocate for OSAH to be recognized as a chronic condition aggravated by climate change, alongside others already understood to be impacted by rising global temperatures.
Source: https://publications.ersnet.org/content/erj/early/2025/09/28/1399300301631-2025
