The list of direct and indirect health consequences related to sleep apnea is extensive and include stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and liver disease. OSA affects about 25 million adults and is potentially life-threatening. 80% of these people are undiagnosed and unaware that their overall health may be in danger. Undiagnosed and untreated sleep apnea not only takes a toll on one’s health and safety, but it also creates a financial burden for the individual.
An inclusive study conducted by global research firm Frost & Sullivan, which factored in economics, sleep medicine, productivity, mental health, and accidents estimated that sleep apnea directly and indirectly costed untreated adults nearly $150 billion ($6,366 per person) that include workplace and vehicular accidents, healthcare and medication. It also included habits such as tobacco, alcohol, sleeping pills, decreased quality of life, and stress that can lead to Heart Disease, Diabetes, Stroke and Asthma. Over 26 million adults are diagnosed with heart disease each year, and is the leading cause of death in the US costing an estimated $108.9 billion annually. In comparison, average annual costs for the diagnosis and treatment of OSA were less than half that at only $2,105 per person.
Fatigue and drowsiness have also been linked to transportation accidents and since drowsiness and OSA are correlated, individuals with OSA have higher motor vehicle accident rates, with a higher likelihood of personal injury. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) there were 1.1 million motor vehicle accidents in 2014. According to a report by AAA, drowsy driving causes nearly 29% or 328,000 crashes, resulting in 1,090 injuries and 6,400 fatalities each year.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) has taken initial steps and proposals to issue a regulation (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration – 2014-0419 and FRA-2015-0111), which could result in mandating screening, diagnosing, treating, and tracking compliance for OSA in highway and rail professionals; a ruling to mandate would greatly increase public safety.
Congresswoman, The Honorable Anna G. Eshoo (D-Calif.), Co-Hosted a briefing on September 27th on the national health crisis: Undiagnosed Sleep and Airway Problems. The Sleep and Breathing Academy had a team of clinical and academic experts educated Members of Congress on the sleep and breathing disorders as well as airway health and how innovative compliance technology such as the micro-recorder in oral appliances, can effectively treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Other attendees included staff from the Department of Health Care Finance, Department on Disability Services, and the Department of Health.
It is time for everyone to commit themselves to more being more aware of signs and symptoms of OSA, this includes the government agencies, healthcare providers and patients being more educated, and health insurance companies ready to reward prevention and see the cost of timely diagnosis and treatment decrease dramatically.
Co-authored with Lily Mai.
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