Public Health Concern

Sleep apnea, a potentially serious sleep disorder, occurs when breathing repeatedly stops—for as long as 10 seconds—and starts during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the tongue and soft palette relax against the back of the throat blocking the airways. Undiagnosed sleep apnea can cause excessive daytime sleepiness and has been linked to chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and depression. Daytime sleepiness may result in mistakes at work and an increased risk of automobile and railroad accidents. Because of these potential consequences, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has declared sleep apnea a public health epidemic.

Spike in Claims of Sleep Apnea

In its analysis of more than 25 billion privately billed claims from 2014 to 2017, Fair Health observed an increase of 911 percent in rural areas and 839 percent in urban areas. The report also noted other patterns, including that men accounted for most cases (65 percent vs 35 percent) and that middle-aged and older populations were at higher risk.

People between the ages of 51 and 60 accounted for 31 percent of claims while people between the ages of 61 and 70 accounted for 23 percent. Those 41 to 50 years old made up 20 percent. In addition, many of the patients had co-existing conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, respiratory and chest symptoms, spine-related pain, high cholesterol, joint pain, general fatigue, and heart arrhythmias.

5 Ways to Prevent Sleep Apnea

As the Fair Health report notes, sleep apnea is a preventable cause of excessive daytime sleepiness. Be sure to discuss the topic with your doctor or a sleep specialist and consider these strategies for managing the condition.

1. Lose weight. Obesity is a major risk factor for sleep apnea so shedding pounds can reduce your risk, says Marc Raphaelson, MD, a sleep specialist in Washington, DC. If you already have sleep apnea, losing weight can make the symptoms less severe.
2. Limit alcohol. Alcohol can slow breathing even in healthy people and can worsen airway obstruction in sleep apnea, says Alon Y. Avidan, MD, MPH, FAAN, director of the Sleep Disorders Center and Neurology Clinic at UCLA. And caffeine and nicotine can make your sleep even more fragmented, increasing the risk for weight gain and developing heart conditions.
3. Skip sedatives. Over-the-counter and prescription sleeping pills can depress breathing, making the symptoms of sleep apnea worse, says Todd Swick, MD, FAAN, professor of neurology at the University of Texas School of Medicine. Muscle relaxants and newer antipsychotic medicines such as aripiprazole (Abilify) and quetiapine (Seroquel) can have the same effect.
4. Consider a breathing device. The most common treatment for sleep apnea is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, which consists of a mask connected to a small fan-like machine worn while sleeping, which blows air into the airways, keeping them open, says Dr. Raphaelson.
5. Talk to your dentist. Those who can't sleep with a CPAP machine might try dental appliances that pull the jaw forward, creating a more open airway during sleep, says Dr. Swick. To get one of these devices, look for a specialized dentist through the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (aadsm.org).