Because obstructive sleep apnea prevents a good night’s sleep, it leads to symptoms such as chronic daytime sleepiness that can seriously affect health and well being. Left undiagnosed and untreated, sleep apnea can lead to excessive fatigue, reduced energy, and poor concentration and productivity. Even worse, daytime fatigue can greatly increase the risk of fatal traffic accidents.
Daytime Sleepiness and Sleep Apnea
- Treated sleep apnea can save thousands of dollars in medical bills and prevent loss of income due to time away from work
- Untreated sleep apnea sufferers are six times more likely to be involved in a serious or fatal automobile accident
- After one year of treatment, hospital utilization can be reduced by 40%, and by 58% after two years
Untreated sleep apnea is a leading cause of poor work performance, absenteeism, and low productivity. Research shows that patients with untreated sleep apnea have significantly more frequent physician visits and hospitalizations. This can all add to the day-to-day pressures of life, aggravating other health conditions that tend to occur alongside sleep apnea, not to mention the effect on relationships with friends and family, and financial security. Sleep Apnea Affects Your Work
Sleep Apnea Affects Your Driving
Daytime sleepiness caused by sleep apnea can lead to drowsy, distracted driving—and fatal traffic accidents. Untreated sleep apnea sufferers are six times more likely to be involved in a serious or fatal traffic accident.
This is especially dangerous if driving is a major part of your job. For example, 30% of accidents involving commercial truck drivers are sleep-related. Because sleep apnea is such a prevalent problem, many commercial truck-driving companies are now requiring that their drivers be screened for sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea Affects Your Quality of Life
Lower energy levels resulting from sleep apnea can impair your productivity and your ability to fully enjoy life. It can also contribute to weight gain since having less energy makes it difficult to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.
Treat Your Sleep Apnea to Control Your Daytime Sleepiness
Treating sleep apnea can help manage daytime fatigue symptoms. With increased energy, people are able to get back to activities they enjoy, be more productive, improve their safety on the road and even lose weight.