Sleep Apnea Facts And Figures You Should Know

If you suffer from, or believe you may suffer from sleep apnea you should make sure that you know the facts and figures associated with this disease.   It is estimated that more than 18 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, but there are things that even these people don’t know.  You should arm yourself with all of the facts and figures associated with sleep apnea so you can protect yourself as you go along so you can live as happily and healthily as possible.  

 Sleep Apnea Facts and Figures 

First and foremost, you should realize that while this is a very common condition, it is also potentially fatal if not treated.  The commonplaceness of this condition should not make one unaware of the potentially dangerous side effects associated with it.  Despite its prevalence, about 90% of cases are not diagnosed.  This is a very serious statistic, considering what can happen to these people.  Early treatment and diagnosis is very important. 

You may not have realized it, but 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 this common sleep disorder. 

What many people don’t realize is that 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 the age of forty the condition is more common in men than women. 

Sleep Apnea Facts and Figures Associated with Consequences  

It is known that sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure, heart disease and strokes; there is also some 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 suffer a car accident.  This is a seriously high number of people.  Knowing you have the condition will help you seek proper treatment and ensure that you limit the devastating consequences.