Sleep apnea risks impact Singapore workforce productivity

A survey conducted by medical technology companies Easmed and The Air Station has identified significant sleep health risks within Singapore’s office-based workforce. The study, titled “Sleeping Enough, Waking Up Tired: The Hidden Cost of Sleep Apnea Risk in Singapore’s Workforce,” surveyed 1,000 working adults aged 30 to 60.

Findings indicate that 24% of respondents screen at intermediate-to-high risk for sleep apnea, a condition where breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep. Despite this, 60% of employees have little to no knowledge of the condition, and 56% have never clinically evaluated their sleep quality. The survey highlights a major impact on productivity, with 97% of respondents reporting performance drops after poor sleep, and 58% estimating a loss of over 20% of their daily output.

Related research emphasizes that fatigue-related risks in the workplace are often subtle and easily misinterpreted by supervisors. Common indicators such as slower reaction times, difficulty concentrating, and reduced situational awareness are frequently mistaken for lack of motivation, distraction, or simple carelessness. Even experienced employees remain vulnerable to the cognitive impairments and reduced decision-making capacity caused by fatigue.