A large international study led by researchers at Flinders University has found that symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may worsen on weekends due to lifestyle habits such as staying up late, sleeping in, and drinking alcohol. Researchers coined the term “social apnea” to describe this phenomenon, which is associated with irregular sleep schedules and reduced adherence to therapies like CPAP machines.
The study analyzed data from over 70,000 people worldwide and found participants were 18% more likely to have moderate to severe OSA on Saturdays than mid-week. Sleeping an extra 45 minutes or more on weekends increased the risk of worse sleep apnea by 47%. Sleep specialist Lindsey Hanna noted that shifting schedules on weekends disrupts the body’s circadian rhythm, leading to lighter and more fragmented sleep.
A separate trial in India involving 30 people with OSA found that practicing conch blowing for 15 minutes daily reduced daytime sleepiness by 34% and decreased nighttime apnea episodes. Other recommendations include avoiding alcohol before bed, as it disrupts sleep quality, and considering tart cherry juice, which may improve melatonin production and deep sleep.