Sleep Apnea Is Common in Shift Workers—So Why Isn’t It Diagnosed? May 21, 2025 Shift workers are the lifeblood of our 24-hour society, keeping hospitals, transportation systems, and essential services running around the clock. But working irregular hours comes with serious health risks—one of the most underdiagnosed being obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is a common sleep disorder characterised by snoring, choking during sleep and daytime fatigue. OSA's symptoms also include poor concentration, headaches, and mood changes which can often be misattributed to the demands of shift work itself.1 This overlap makes OSA particularly difficult to detect in shift workers, despite their increased vulnerability. A study found that shift workers were 14-38% more likely to suffer from sleep apnea than their day-working counterparts.2 Despite this increased risk, diagnosis rates remain alarmingly low. Why the gap? Firstly, OSA symptoms are insidious and often normalized. Many shift workers chalk up their exhaustion and irritability to poor sleep hygiene or "just part of the job." Secondly, routine screening for sleep disorders is rare during occupational health checks, and few workers are referred for sleep studies unless symptoms become debilitating. There's also a cultural stigma—acknowledging sleep problems can be seen as weakness in high-performance or emergency roles. But left untreated, OSA is no small matter. It significantly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and workplace accidents.3 For shift workers operating heavy machinery or making life-and-death decisions, the consequences can be catastrophic. The gold standard for treating OSA is CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy—a bedside device that delivers a gentle airflow through a mask to keep your airway open during sleep.4 This simple air pressure prevents the breathing interruptions that leave you exhausted and at risk of serious health conditions. Thankfully, awareness is growing. At-home sleep studies, telehealth consults, and travel-friendly CPAP machines are making diagnosis and treatment more accessible. If you're a shift worker dealing with ongoing fatigue, don't brush it off—OSA could be the culprit. Speak with your doctor to discuss whether a sleep study or CPAP therapy might be right for you. It could be the first step toward restoring your energy, improving focus, and protecting your long-term health. How Sove CPAP Clinic Can Help Founded in 2008, Sove CPAP Clinic has grown to become a leading provider of respiratory and sleep services and products in Australia, with over 60 clinics nationwide. Our comprehensive clinical team includes Respiratory & Sleep Specialists, Sleep Technologists, and CPAP Consultants, ensuring that you receive comprehensive and personalised care. All medical procedures, including sleep studies and lung function testing, are bulk billed to all Australians, with minimal wait time. If you would like to speak to a Respiratory & Sleep Physician, book a bulk-billed sleep study, or seek advice for your sleep apnea, you can reach us at 1300 76 29 39 or info@thecpapclinic.com.au. ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. CPAP is used for Obstructive Sleep Apnea treatment. When considering whether a sleep study or CPAP is right for you, speak to your doctor. Medicare criteria and T&C’s apply. Citations 1. Iannella, Giannicola, et al. “Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: From Symptoms to Treatment.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 19, no. 4, 21 Feb. 2022, p. 2459, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19042459. 2. Sakamoto, Yuri Saho, et al. “Prevalência Da Apneia Obstrutiva Do Sono Em Trabalhadores de Turno: Uma Revisão Sistemática.” Ciência & Saúde Coletiva, vol. 23, no. 10, Oct. 2018, pp. 3381–3392, https://doi.org/10.1590/1413-812320182310.21362018. 3. Yeghiazarians, Yerem, et al. “Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Disease: A Scientific Statement from the American Heart Association.” Circulation, vol. 144, no. 3, 20 July 2021, pp. e56–e67, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34148375/. 4. “Treatment Options for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) | Sleep Health Foundation.” Sleep Health Foundation, www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au.
