US EditionLifestyle choices and irregular sleep patterns drive weekend spike in OSA severity
The study links lifestyle factors like alcohol and irregular sleep to an 18% increase in moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea on weekends, according to Flinders University researchers.
- On Aug 13 2025, Flinders University researchers warn late nights, alcohol, and smoking on weekends could trigger 'social apnea', introduced in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
- The international research team found lifestyle choices like late nights and alcohol use, along with lighter sleep, likely influence worsening sleep apnea risk.
- Data showed over 70,000 people worldwide, with sleeping an extra 45 minutes or more on weekends increasing sleep apnea risk by 47%.
- Relying on a single-night study, Professor Danny Eckert warns most clinical diagnostic testing misses social apnea, highlighting the need for multi-night sleep assessments.
- Experts caution that the weekend surge in sleep-disordered breathing may increase risks of serious health conditions, and sleep apnea's true impact may be underestimated, says Dr. Lucia Pinilla.
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39 Articles
Sleep disorders are one of the most common complaints in Germany. Irregular sleep routines and alcohol consumption are common causes. Thus, especially at the weekend, so-called "social sleep apnea" can occur, explain researchers.
Weekends should be pure relaxation - but irregular sleep times and alcohol can reinforce an underrated form of nocturnal breath loss. For this there is now also a technical term.
Staying Out Late on the Weekends Could Make Sleep Apnea Worse
Learn more about a rising health concern known as social apnea, which is caused by staying out too late on weekends and not getting enough restorative sleep. This new concern could make sleep apnea and other illnesses more severe.
Sydney Morning Herald
The AgeSleeping in on the weekend? You could be triggering ‘social apnoea’
A large study led by Australian researchers has found a significant increase in obstructive sleep apnoea on weekends. But there are some clues as to why it’s happening.
Lifestyle choices and irregular sleep patterns drive weekend spike in OSA severity
Late nights, alcohol, and smoking on weekends may be doing more than disrupting your Monday mornings, they could be triggering a newly identified sleep health concern known as 'social apnea', warn researchers from Flinders University.
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