Economic and social costs of sleep apnea

摘要

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a relatively common disorder that affects both children and adults. The deleterious health effects of untreated OSA not only manifest clinically in individual patients but also are associated with an increased overall social and economic burden. In this review, we discuss the direct and indirect costs of untreated OSA, cost-effectiveness of various diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, work-related accidents and decreased productivity, and association with motor vehicle collisions. Mounting evidence highlights the need to recognize OSA not only as a disorder that adversely affects individuals but also as a public health issue with implications for society and the health-care system as a whole.