Many Australians may be unware that they are experiencing a recently identified sleep health issue known as ‘social apnea’. Research from Flinders University has found that Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a widespread condition that causes recurring airway blockages during sleep, intensifies over weekends. This increase in severity may stem from typical weekend activities such as late nights, sleeping in, and indulging in alcohol and smoking.
Studies indicate that sleeping longer on weekends—by 45 minutes or more—nearly doubles the risk of worsening OSA symptoms, particularly affecting adults under 60, with men at greater risk. This phenomenon is concerning, as it can elevate the likelihood of serious health problems, including heart disease, depression, dementia, and extreme fatigue. Additionally, it poses risks for accidents, particularly motor vehicle incidents.
The challenge with diagnosing ‘social apnea’ arises from conventional sleep studies, which generally assess sleep over a single weeknight. This approach may fail to capture the weekend fluctuations in sleep patterns that contribute to OSA severity. Dr. Lucia Pinilla, the study’s lead author, emphasises the necessity for multi-night assessments to get a comprehensive view of sleep health and avoid misdiagnosis.
Experts recommend that maintaining a consistent sleep schedule throughout the week is essential in minimising the risk of social apnea. Adopting good sleep hygiene practices—such as sleeping when tired, aiming for seven to nine hours of rest each night, and waking up at a similar time daily—can be beneficial.
Given that OSA impacts around one billion people worldwide and poses significant health risks if left untreated, understanding this condition and its weekend-related exacerbations is crucial for improving public health outcomes.