Seasons of Sleep: How Australia’s Climate Shapes OSA and CPAP Therapy

Australia’s seasons can swing from humid tropical heat to crisp southern winters — and for the millions living with
obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), those changes can directly affect sleep quality and CPAP comfort. As our climate
becomes increasingly unpredictable, researchers are uncovering just how closely the rhythm of the weather shapes
the rhythm of our sleep.

OSA Patterns Change with the Seasons

OSA isn’t constant. It fluctuates throughout the year. Recent research analysing sleep data from over 70,000 patients worldwide, including thousands of Australians, found that OSA severity can rise by up to 15% in both summer and winter months.

Why the change? Factors like shorter sleep duration in the heat, colder and drier air in winter, and seasonal spikes in
allergens all influence airway stability and breathing during sleep.

Australian research from Flinders University and NeuRA has also highlighted that even small shifts in humidity, air
temperature, and daylight exposure can alter sleep architecture and oxygen saturation — two critical markers for those using CPAP therapy.

How Seasons Affect CPAP Comfort and Adherence

Winter Woes

Cold, dry air often triggers nasal congestion and condensation build-up inside tubing and masks (known as rainout). To counter this, try increasing your humidifier setting, using heated tubing, and ensuring your equipment is dried thoroughly each day. A simple adjustment can make a big difference in comfort and adherence.

Spring & Summer Struggles

With pollen and allergens peaking, nasal irritation becomes more common. CPAP users who rely on nasal masks can
experience additional congestion and dryness. Replacing filters regularly, cleaning equipment more often, or trialling a full-face mask may help maintain comfort.

Travel & Routine Disruptions

From summer holidays to FIFO shifts, disruptions to sleep schedules can easily throw therapy off track. Studies show Australians tend to sleep fewer hours during hotter months — a change that can worsen OSA symptoms and reduce overall therapy consistency. Using travel-friendly devices and keeping your routine as consistent as possible helps keep therapy effective year-round.

The Latest Research on OSA and Climate

Emerging Australian and global research is providing new insights into the connection between sleep and climate:

Big Data from Home Sleep Sensors

Under-mattress sensors and wearable devices now allow researchers to observe daily OSA fluctuations in real-world conditions, across seasons and environments. These studies are reshaping how clinicians view OSA severity and its triggers.
Climate Change Impacts

New projections from Flinders University suggest that rising global temperatures could increase the prevalence of OSA by up to 45%. Warmer nights and greater exposure to pollutants are expected to make apnoea events more frequent, making adaptive sleep therapy an important part of future
Indigenous-Led Sleep Studies

Australian scientists working alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are uncovering unique sleep patterns linked to environmental and cultural factors. This work aims to inform more

Practical Tips for Year-Round Comfort

Winter: Increase humidifier settings, use heated tubing, and keep your machine dry and clean.
Spring/Summer: Change filters often, clean your mask and tubing weekly, and consider a mask style that suits your seasonal needs.
All Year: Discuss with your clinician how small seasonal adjustments — such as humidity level, mask type, or pressure settings — might optimise your comfort and results.

The Bottom Line

Our environment plays a bigger role in sleep than most of us realise. As Australia’s climate continues to shift, adapting your therapy across the seasons can help protect your comfort, consistency, and long-term health.

At Sleep Healthcare Australia, we’re committed to supporting your sleep therapy journey — with expert advice, trusted equipment, and a clinical team that understands how seasonal changes can influence your sleep.

References

PubMed (2025). Obstructive sleep apnea severity varies by season and environment.
Flinders University ResearchNow (2025). Obstructive sleep apnea severity varies by season and environment.
Nature (2025). Global warming may increase the burden of obstructive sleep apnea.
ResMed Australia. CPAP humidification basics for this winter.
CLM Sleep. Is sleep apnea worse in the winter?
CPAP Australia. CPAP condensation: causes and fixes.
CPAP Victoria. Spring allergies and CPAP therapy.
Sleep Healthcare Australia. Spring CPAP allergy season tips.
National Institutes of Health (PMC). Impact of seasonal temperature on sleep duration and OSA severity.
New Atlas (2025). Sleep apnea cases to rise 45% and one global factor is to blame.
Nature Communications (2025). Global warming and obstructive sleep apnea burden.
Flinders University News (2025). Climate change linked to dangerous sleep apnea.
Oxford Academic (2025). Obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis and management in First Nations People.
Sleep Primary Care Resources. OSA review and CPAP adherence follow-up.
National Institutes of Health (PMC). Adherence patterns in CPAP therapy: seasonal and behavioural factors.