Get Sleep Apnea Facts And Figures Before Falling Asleep

What do you believe is the most important element in achieving overall good health: a proper diet, exercise or sleep? If you chose diet or exercise you can join the majority of people who answered that way in a recent survey. But if you suffer from sleep apnea, you may put getting a full night's rest at the top of the list. It's estimated that about 18 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, so facts and figures about this disorder are important.

Here We Go

Before quoting some facts and figures about sleep apnea, it's important to note that this disorder can have fatal consequences. But up to 90 percent of cases are left undiagnosed. This statistic is truly alarming, considering the many side effects this condition causes. If you are experiencing any symptoms of sleep apnea, consult your doctor. Early treatment of this medical problem can successfully decrease your chances of developing a heart attack or stroke.

Sleep apnea is as common as diabetes or asthma. It's believed that more than half of all Americans 65 and older have some type of sleep disorder. This may be due in part to other medical conditions, certain prescription drugs or more sedentary lifestyles. Approximately $15.9 billion have been spent in treating sleep apnea and other sleep disorders.

According to the latest facts and figures on sleep apnea, African American children are more likely to develop this type of breathing problem. At the other end of the age spectrum, elderly African Americans have twice the risk of being diagnosed with sleep apnea. There definitely seems to be genetic factors involved with this medical condition, with this disorder appearing in family lines. However, the facts and figures on sleep apnea show that this medical condition occurs in all groups and both sexes equally, until the age 40. After that time, sleep apnea is more common in males than females.

Alarming Consequences

While sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure, heart disease and strokes, there is evidence that it may also be the key factor in serious automobile accidents. A study involving commercial truck drivers discovered that 28 percent had sleep apnea symptoms ranging from mild to severe. People who drive a car and have untreated sleep apnea are 7 times more likely to be involved in an automobile accident.

While these facts and figures about sleep apnea are alarming, the good news is that more doctors and patients are being made aware of this disorder, thereby minimizing the serious complications and concerns of this condition.

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