Sleep Apnea Statistics
Posted on | October 27, 2009 | No Comments
Sleep apnea is by no means a rare condition and a brief look at the statistics can demonstrate just how prevalent it is. This can be reassuring for those struggling with the problem, but also outlines the need for more awareness and available treatment.
In America alone it is estimated that 20 million Americans are affected by a form of sleep apnea. That makes it nearly 1 in 15 Americans and puts it equally as common as asthma and diabetes. However this number is likely even bigger as estimates suggest that up to 85-90% of individuals with sleep apnea go undiagnosed and untreated, which could make the actual statistic as high as 1 in 5. This can happen as most apnea sufferers are not aware that they are being disturbed due to breathing difficulties and become accustomed to feeling lethargic and tired during the days. This more than anything suggests that awareness of the problem needs to be raised, particularly as it can cause other more serious problems if left untreated.
This is demonstrated by the fact that the average patient with untreated sleep apnea’s health care will cost an additional $1,336 over someone without the condition (or who has it treated). With 17 million potentially untreated individuals that could cause $22,13,000,000 of unnecessary health care costs.
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