Here are some key points about sleep apnea.
- Around 1 in 5 adults have mild symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), while 1 in 15 have moderate-to-severe symptoms.
- Approximately 18 million Americans have this disease, yet only 20% have been diagnosed and treated.
- Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to many health problems, including depression, diabetes, obesity, heart disease and an increase in accidents and work errors.
- Sleep apnea causes insulin resistance and, as a result, may cause or worsen diabetes.
- Menopausal and postmenopausal women have an increased risk of OSA.
- It has been estimated that one-quarter of the prevalence of OSA is due to a genetic predisposition.
- Sleep apnea is an independent risk factor for hypertension.
- Motor vehicle accidents are 2-3 times more common in individuals with sleep apnea.
- Smokers are more likely to have OSA than past or never smokers.
- While sleep apnea is more prevalent in those aged 50 and above, it can affect people of all ages, including children.