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“Reason to prioritize comprehensive sleep services”

The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) globally ranks it as the second most common sleep disorder, yet it remains significantly underdiagnosed. In the United States, where an estimated 30 million people exhibit symptoms of OSA, only about 20%, or 6 million, receive a diagnosis. This underdiagnosis has profound economic and health implications, contributing to a cascade of comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, and an increased risk of accidents due to daytime sleepiness.

Prioritizing comprehensive sleep services emerges as a critical strategy to address this underdiagnosis and improve patient outcomes. Untreated OSA not only poses serious health risks but also leads to substantial economic burdens. The economic impact is evident in increased healthcare utilization, resulting in nearly $7,000 in additional healthcare expenditures per undiagnosed patient annually. The overall healthcare costs associated with underdiagnosing and undertreating sleep apnea are staggering, estimated at $94.9 billion each year.

Patients diagnosed with OSA are typically prescribed continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy as the primary treatment. However, adherence to CPAP can be challenging for many patients, contributing to undertreatment. While the upfront costs of treating sleep disorders may be high, comprehensive treatment options have the potential to generate significant cost-savings. By improving outcomes, reducing long-term health risks and healthcare utilization, comprehensive sleep services not only benefit patients but also create a competitive advantage for care delivery organizations.

Looking ahead, the sleep apnea device market, valued at $9.6 billion in 2023, is anticipated to reach $17 billion by 2032. This growth is attributed to the increasing incidence of sleep apnea, its comorbidities, and technological advancements in sleep care. To harness the economic opportunities presented by this market growth, care delivery organizations must embrace comprehensive sleep services. These services, focused on accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment for OSA, are essential components of a sustainable healthcare approach.

However, challenges such as limited awareness among providers and patients, insufficient capacity, and inadequate care coordination hinder the provision of comprehensive sleep care. Overcoming these challenges requires collaboration across multiple sites of care, including sleep clinics, ambulatory surgical centers, hospitals, and health systems, as well as coordination among different medical specialties. The ability to attract, retain, and reengage patients in need of sleep apnea care hinges on a unified and collaborative effort within the healthcare ecosystem.

In conclusion, the prioritization of comprehensive sleep services is not only a medical imperative but also a strategic move for care delivery organizations. Addressing the underdiagnosis and undertreatment of obstructive sleep apnea can significantly improve patient outcomes, advance population health goals, and alleviate the substantial economic burden associated with untreated sleep disorders. As the sleep apnea market continues to grow, those who invest in and champion comprehensive sleep services will not only contribute to better patient care but also position themselves competitively in the evolving landscape of healthcare delivery.write nepali language propor this article

By Surendra Pun