Findings presented at the Associated Professional Sleep Societies 25th Annual Meeting showed that sleep problems are linked to increased utilization of health care and work absenteeism. The findings come from a review of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 2005-2006.

Compared with good sleepers, people who have trouble sleeping were more likely to have had a healthcare visit within the past year (85% vs 59%(, more likely to have been hospitalized (16% vs 8%), more likely to have missed six or more days of work, and were more likely to have had one or more mental healthcare visits. People who had less than five or more than nine hours of sleep per night also had the highest rates of health care usage.

While 99% of the people surveyed listed at least one sleep complaint, only 24% had reported their complaints to their healthcare provider. The sleep complaints in the survey ranged from 56% feeling unrested despite a full night of sleep, 54% saying they didn’t get enough sleep, 45% snore and 12% reported gasping for air at night or that someone had witnessed them stop breathing during sleep (sleep apnea).

Because sleep disorders affect so many systems in the body and according to this study lead to an increased rate of healthcare usage “We strongly recommend that healthcare providers routinely assess for the presence and etiology of sleep complaints and disorders” said Jon-Erik Holty, MD.

StoneRidge Dental Care is pleased to be on the cutting edge of the team approach to treating sleep problems. All of our patients are screened for possible sleep disorders and, working as a team with physician find the best possible treatment for your sleep disorder if one is diagnosed. For more information on snoring and sleep disorders visit http://www.columbus.ihatecpap.com/ or contact our Columbus area office at 614-476-6696.