Original Article By: The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM)
Summarized By: Neurobit
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine, in partnership with several other professional and patient-focused organizations, has launched a national awareness campaign called "More Than a Snore." The purpose of this campaign is to raise awareness of obstructive sleep apnea, a chronic disease characterized by the repeated collapse of the upper airway during sleep. The project is funded by a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.
According to Jennifer Martin, a licensed clinical psychologist and president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, this campaign will encourage undiagnosed patients to advocate for themselves and seek treatment, as well as increase confidence among patients and healthcare professionals to discuss sleep apnea and determine the best-personalized treatment plan.
Obstructive sleep apnea affects almost 30 million adults in the United States and 80% of these cases are undiagnosed. This results in significant health care costs, lost work productivity, and workplace and motor vehicle accidents, which cost the country over $149 billion annually.
The "More Than a Snore" campaign seeks to educate the public about the warning signs of obstructive sleep apnea, including snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness, and highlight the fact that untreated sleep apnea can negatively impact a person's long-term health and quality of life, increasing the risk of other health problems such as cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and depression. The public is advised to discuss any concerns with a healthcare professional to determine if testing and treatment are necessary.
There are several treatments available for sleep apnea, including CPAP therapy, oral appliances, weight loss, surgery, and positional therapy. These organizations, which are part of the Count on Sleep partnership, are committed to raising awareness and providing expertise to educate the public and healthcare professionals about obstructive sleep apnea.
References:
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). (2023, February 6). New campaign to raise awareness that sleep apnea is 'More than a Snore'. Newswise. Retrieved February 7, 2023, from https://www.newswise.com/articles/new-campaign-to-raise-awareness-that-sleep-apnea-is-more-than-a-snore