Survey: Most People Don’t Know Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

Although an estimated 22 million Americans suffer from moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a shocking 80 percent of those cases remain undiagnosed—an issue that significantly affects their health, longevity, and quality of life. 

Why are so many people left undiagnosed, even if they might know that they snore, or even if they spend each day drowsy and fatigued? A new survey has found that it may be because of a lack of education and awareness surrounding sleep apnea. While the vast majority of the population has a superficial idea of what sleep apnea is and is familiar with the medical condition, very few actually understand its health implications, let alone how it is diagnosed and treated. 

The survey, conducted by Itamar Medical, asked over 1,000 Americans a series of questions about sleep apnea. Here are the results: 

• Although 89% of respondents understood the general definition of sleep apnea, their understanding of the disease was superficial, and lacked knowledge of its serious implications. 

• Only 25% of those surveyed knew that snoring could be a sign of a serious health problem, or did not think that it was true. 

• One out of three respondents were unaware that people who treated their sleep apnea significantly reduced their chances of heart issues, diabetes, and stroke. 

• A disturbing 28% of respondents said that they would not seek treatment for a sleep issue like sleep apnea, while another 23% said that they would “think twice” before seeking treatment. 

• Over half of the people surveyed (51%) said that they would not take a diagnostic sleep test for sleep apnea or seek treatment for that health condition. Why not? Some cited the inconvenience of taking an overnight sleep study, while others cited fears about COVID-19 during the diagnostic process. 

“While, unfortunately, not all that surprising, the results of the survey exemplify the need to educate and spread awareness of the serious and life-threatening implications of undiagnosed sleep apnea,” Gilad Glick, CEO of Itamar Medical, said in the press release. An alarming 51% of people still indicate that they would not take a sleep test or seek help for a sleep disorder. We need to address this issue and educate people that there are safe and viable solutions.”

The survey highlights several major disconnects between the American public and what we know about sleep apnea. 

The first and most important issue is that everyone needs to be aware of how sleep apnea affects your health on a greater scale. It’s an important step that the vast majority of people superficially know what sleep apnea is now (that was not true even a few decades ago). But it’s just as important that people know how devastating sleep apnea can be on the body, especially over the years. Specifically, everyone should know how interconnected sleep apnea is with heart disease, cardiovascular events, and type II diabetes. 

The second alarming issue is connected to the first issue: if people don’t know that sleep apnea and sleep disturbances are so disruptive to their overall health, they will be less likely to seek diagnosis and treatment when they show symptoms, such as snoring and daytime drowsiness. Many people choose to live with these symptoms, not knowing that sleep apnea is damaging their heart and lowering their quality of life. 

Finally, there are many misconceptions about sleep apnea and treatment/diagnosis. Many believe that getting diagnosed with sleep apnea is highly inconvenient and involved, but that is changing. There are now, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, options for at-home diagnosis—and even sleep lab diagnoses are easier and more accurate than they were in the past. 

Many also have the misconception that wearing a bulky and uncomfortable CPAP machine is the only treatment for sleep apnea, but this, too, is not the case. Those with mild OSA may find relief with solutions as easy as lifestyle changes and oral appliances, while those with moderate to severe OSA may look into surgical options for a permanent solution. 

You should know: it is vital to understand that treating your sleep apnea imperative to your health, and that there are treatments that fit everyone’s needs. At Surgical Sleep Solutions, we are dedicated to helping those with moderate to severe sleep apnea find a restful night’s sleep via surgery. Contact us today to find out if you could benefit from sleep apnea surgery, or take our self evaluation to get started.