Clinical practice patterns and unmet needs in the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists in sleep medicine: A pan-European survey performed in the European sleep apnoea database network.

Authors

Dries Testelmans, Maria Rosaria Bonsignore, Athanasia Pataka, Francesco Fanfulla, Silke Ryan, Carolina Lombardi, Winfried Randerath, Ludger Grote, Alexandros Kalkanis

Published in

Pulmonology. Volume 32. Issue 1. Pages 2722795. Epub Aug 25, 2026.

Abstract

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists have demonstrated weight loss benefits and reductions in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) severity. Following recent regulatory approval of tirzepatide for OSA with obesity, their integration into sleep medicine is accelerating. However, real-world clinical practice remains undefined.
The European Sleep Apnoea Database (ESADA) network conducted a multinational online survey across 24 centres in 14 European countries to evaluate current practice patterns regarding GLP-1RA use in patients with obesity and suspected or established OSA.
Forty-two percent of centres reported that GLP-1RA therapy could be initiated by sleep physicians within the sleep clinic. Indications were consistent, primarily targeting moderate-to-severe obesity with metabolic comorbidities. Most clinicians continued to recommend diagnostic sleep studies in symptomatic (92%) and asymptomatic (81%) patients recently started on GLP-1RAs. A weight loss threshold > 10% was considered clinically meaningful for OSA reassessment by 61% of centres. Despite anticipated reductions in OSA severity, proactive positive airway pressure (PAP) re-titration or withdrawal was uncommon (14%). Monitoring focused on weight trajectory, symptoms, and PAP telemonitoring. Structured interdisciplinary pathways were largely absent.
GLP-1RAs are increasingly incorporated into European sleep practice; however, substantial variability exists in diagnostic timing, PAP management, and follow-up strategies. Harmonised guidance and coordinated multidisciplinary care are urgently needed.

PMID:
42639925
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 25 Aug 2026.

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