Snoring Costs Over $88 Billion in Lost Productivity, Health Care Costs

Patients who suffer from snoring and sleep apnea also may be suffering from depression and anxiety, and could have trouble concentrating at work, according to a new study. The result — a cost to the U.S. economy of more than $88 billion in lost productivity and health care costs.

“We focused our study on the impact of snoring and sleep apnea in three levels of the patient’s daily life: personal, institutional and socioeconomic,” according to Dr. Mansoor Madani, chairman of Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Capital Health System in Trenton, N.J., and associate professor of oral surgery at Temple University in Philadelphia.

“It costs the U.S. economy over $88.4 billion each year in poor performance, accident claims and health care costs,” said Madani.

The study, which examined 5,600 patients, revealed that severe snoring and sleep apnea have an increased level of morbidity and mortality, and affects worker job performance as well. Over 48 percent had trouble concentrating at work and got tired easily. It was also noted that these patients in the study had continued difficulties in problem solving and performing complex tasks.

“Our concern was the impact it had on their driving habits. Eighteen percent of patients reported they dozed while driving at least once over the last few years and seven percent were involved in accidents causing injuries to themselves and others,” explained Madani.

Of an estimated 25 million patients who suffer from sleep apnea, only 5 percent have actually been diagnosed with sleep apnea. “Snoring is one of the main indicators of sleep apnea and unfortunately is largely being ignored,” says Madani.

For more information, visit http://www.snorenet.com/ or call 1-800-206-2000.

Source: Center for Corrective Surgery