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The environmental impact of diagnosis and therapy in obstructive sleep Apnea: A systematic review.

Laura M Donahue·Timothy I Morgenthaler
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Abstract

Healthcare contributes significantly to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, yet the environmental impact of sleep medicine, particularly the diagnosis and therapy of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), remains poorly characterized. We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, and Embase (2015-2025) for studies on OSA care reporting environmental metrics (carbon footprint, energy use, resource consumption) or healthcare resource utilization. Supplementary searches identified additional non-peer-reviewed sustainability-focused studies that have been presented at conferences. Of 19 primary peer-reviewed studies on OSA care and utilization, only one reported environmental metrics (telemedicine CO2 savings related to reduction in travel-related emissions). Supplementary sources revealed that OSA care has a measurable carbon footprint driven by disposable equipment, device electricity, and travel and that OSA diagnostics create significant solid waste with opportunities for waste reduction through the use of reusable equipment. This review shows that while the environmental impact of sleep medicine has been rarely studied to this date, available evidence suggests significant opportunities for sustainability through virtual care, home testing, and equipment optimization. Future research should incorporate environmental impact into the assessment of clinical pathways.

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HumansSleep Apnea, ObstructiveEnvironmentCarbon FootprintEnvironmental impactOSA diagnosticsOSA therapyObstructive sleep apnea (OSA)SustainabilityJournal ArticleSystematic ReviewReview

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Laura M Donahue, Timothy I Morgenthaler. 2026-05-05. The environmental impact of diagnosis and therapy in obstructive sleep Apnea: A systematic review.. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2026.102305

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