Sleep Apnea Health Ramifications and Prevalence

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSA) is a serious, life threatening disorder. Research estimates that up to 9% of all adult males and 4% of all adult females suffer from sleep disordered breathing, yet fewer than 15% of the people with this disease have been diagnosed.

Serious consequences of untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) include:

  • Increased risk of stroke

  • Increased high blood pressure

  • Increased incidence of atrial fibrillation

  • Increased risk of diabetes

  • Poor memory and other cognitive impairments

  • Male impotence and decreased sex drive

  • Headaches and migraines

  • Increased risk of motor vehicle accidents

  • Increase in Gastrointestinal Reflux Disease (GERD)

  • Increase in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children

  • Death

Signs you or someone you love may have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Sleep Disordered Breathing:

  • Snoring

  • Waking up due to gasping or choking

  • Excessive daytime sleepiness

  • Irritability

  • Memory loss

  • Nighttime grinding of teeth

  • Restless or unrefreshed sleep

  • Frequent waking during sleep

How common is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

  • 40% of adults over 40 snore

  • 9% of men and 4% of women suffer from some form of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
    (approx. 30 million Americans)

  • Less than 15% of OSA sufferers have been diagnosed
    (approximately 3 million Americans)

  • Of those diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea, less than 25% have been successfully treated

Sleep Apnea Health Ramifications and prevalence