The Effect of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome on Sick Leave and Work Disability

The objective of the present study was to examine the independent contribution of symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) on long-term sick leave and permanent work disability. Using a historical cohort design with four years follow-up, information on sick leave and disability benefit recipiency were merged with health information from the Hordaland Health Study in Western Norway, 1997–99. 7028 persons aged 40–45, were assessed for self-reported symptoms of OSAS (snoring, breathing cessations and daytime sleepiness), body-mass index, somatic conditions, and other potential confounders. The outcomes, accumulated sick leave of 8 weeks or more, and permanent work disability were identified in records from the National Insurance Administration. After excluding participants with work disability at baseline, symptoms of OSAS were found to be a significant predictor of both subsequent long-term sick leave (odds-ratio 1.78) and permanent work disability (odds-ratio 2.40). These effects remained significant after adjustment for a range of possible confounding factors. Daytime sleepiness had the greatest explanatory power, followed by breathing cessations and snoring. We conclude that self-reported symptoms of OSAS are an independent risk factor for subsequent long-term sick leave and permanent work disability. The findings need to be replicated using objective measures of OSAS.