All medical treatment requires an expenditure of money.  However, studies show that treating sleep apnea of one of the most cost effective investments in health that anyone can make.  The chart below shows the medical costs incurred by 238 patients in a Canadian study in the year prior to a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea compared to medical costs in a control group of people who were matched for age, and weight but who did NOT have sleep apnea.  

 

 

 

 

 

It is stunning to see that unmanaged sleep apnea almost literally doubles medical costs.  However, this should not be surprising given the significant number of other serious conditions to which sleep apnea contributes.  

 

However, when sleep apnea is properly managed, the medical implications are almost completely reversed.   This fact was shown clearly by the Schneider Study.  Trucking companies have a great deal to be concerned about regarding undiagnosed sleep apnea.  A survey done by the Insurance Institute showed that 21% of drivers admitted to dozing at the wheel within the past month!  A significant amount of this daytime sleepiness is due to sleep apnea.

 

The Sneider Trucking Company realized that 50% of their medical costs went to the treatment of cardiovascular disease, hypertension and diabetes care, all diseases related to sleep apnea.  To address the issues of daytime sleepiness in their drivers and to attempt to lower medical costs, they instituted a mandatory sleep apnea testing and treatment program.  As shown in the chart below, the Schneider Company’s medical costs in the year following the institution of this program were lowered by 50%.