Sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed, which can lead to further health complications. But it can also have a major financial impact on individuals. In fact, a report by the Rand Corporation estimated that poor sleep costs American companies hundreds of billions of dollars each year.
Costs of sleep apnea
When people lose out on sleep, it is linked to high-dollar conditions such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. It is also linked with motor vehicle and workplace accidents. Additionally, lack of sleep can contribute to compensating behaviors such as the substance abuse of pills, tobacco and alcohol.
There are also indirect economic costs associated with undiagnosed and untreated sleep apnea. Those include decreased productivity at work, reduced quality of life and added stress on interpersonal relationships. In fact, company executives might even be at a higher risk for sleep apnea because of the increased demands and stressful conditions of their jobs.
Those demanding executive jobs, especially among older adults, can lead to sedentary lifestyles. In turn, that can lead to obesity, which is a leading contributor to sleep apnea as well as age.
It’s time to take charge of your health and seek a proper diagnosis of sleep apnea. By receiving a diagnosis and treatment plan, you will be on your way to improving not only your sleep, but your overall health and well-being.
Contact Dr. Mayoor Patel at Craniofacial Pain and Dental Sleep Center of Georgia to learn more about sleep apnea.
