The Hidden Link Between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Atrial Fibrillation November 17, 2025 The Hidden Link Between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Atrial Fibrillation A steady heartbeat is something most of us take for granted — until it isn’t. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of sustained irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia, in adults.1 It occurs when the heart’s upper chambers (the atria) beat rapidly and out of sync with the lower chambers.1 This irregular rhythm can cause the heart to pump blood less efficiently, increasing the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other complications.1 Some people with AF may feel their heart racing or fluttering, experience shortness of breath, fatigue, or dizziness, while others have no symptoms at all. In Australia, AF was recorded in around 193,700 hospitalisations in 2021–22, representing nearly 2% of all hospital admissions — and its prevalence continues to rise, particularly with age and other chronic conditions.1 How Obstructive Sleep Apnea Fits In One lesser-known but significant contributor to atrial fibrillation is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).2 This common sleep disorder occurs when the muscles in the throat relax too much during sleep, causing the airway to narrow or close repeatedly throughout the night. Each time breathing stops, oxygen levels drop, prompting the body to wake briefly — often without the person realising it — to reopen the airway. These repeated pauses in breathing lead to surges in adrenaline, spikes in blood pressure, and fluctuations in chest pressure. Over time, this constant nighttime stress can strain the heart and disrupt its electrical signals.2 People with OSA are estimated to have two to four times higher odds of developing atrial fibrillation compared with those without sleep apnea.2 The Link Between OSA and AF When obstructive sleep apnea goes untreated, the repeated drops in oxygen and the mechanical stress on the heart can cause structural and electrical changes in the atria, the upper chambers responsible for maintaining rhythm.3 These changes can make it easier for AF to develop and harder to control once it does. OSA and AF also share many common risk factors — such as obesity, high blood pressure, and advancing age — which can further amplify the connection between them.3 Managing Obstructive Sleep Apnea The encouraging news is that OSA is highly treatable. The most common and effective treatment is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy — a bedside device that gently blows air through a mask to keep the airway open during sleep.4 This simple approach eliminates the pauses in breathing and restores restful sleep. If you snore loudly, wake up gasping for air, or feel unrefreshed despite a full night’s sleep, it may be time to get checked. Talk to your doctor or a sleep specialist about sleep apnea testing. Identifying and treating OSA can make a world of difference — not just for your sleep, but for your overall wellbeing. 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&Cs apply. References 1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. “Heart, Stroke and Vascular Disease: Australian Facts, Atrial Fibrillation.” Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2023, https://www.aihw.gov.au/... . 2. Tavares, Liliana, et al. “Sleep Apnea and Atrial Fibrillation: Role of the Cardiac Autonomic Nervous System.” Methodist DeBakey Cardiovascular Journal, vol. 17, no. 1, 2021, https://doi.org/10.14797/zyut2951 . 3. Marulanda-Londoño, Erika, and Seemant Chaturvedi. “The Interplay between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Atrial Fibrillation.” Frontiers in Neurology, vol. 8, 2017, https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2017.00668 . 4. Katella, Kathy. “7 Things to Know about Sleep Apnea and CPAP.” Yale Medicine, 18 Apr. 2022, https://www.yalemedicine.org/... .
