Sleep Disorders Produce $94.9 Billion Health Care Costs Annually

(Newswire.net — June 7, 2022) Orlando, FL — Over the years, researchers have been warning against the dangerous impacts of sleep deprivation. Unfortunately today, more and more people still struggle with sleep issues.

A study has shown that sleep disorders are linked with significantly higher rates of health care utilization. Further, it conservatively places an additional $94.9 billion in costs annually on the United States health care system.

This new study was carried out by researchers at Mass Eye and Ear, a member hospital of Mass General Brigham. Its findings were published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.

The investigating team has found that the number of medical visits and prescriptions filled almost doubled in those with sleep disorders, compared to individuals without the sleep issues. Sleep disorders include insomnia and sleep apnea. 

It’s further found that affected patients were also at an increased likelihood of visiting the emergency department and have more comorbid medical conditions.

In this research, the scientists looked into data from a nationally-representative survey involving over 22,000 Americans called the 2018 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. 

It is worth noting that the latter survey is administered by the Department of Health and Human Services Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

The findings have particularly shown that 5.6 percent of respondents suffered from at least one sleep disorder, and this equated to an estimated 13.6 million U.S. adults.

It has long been known that sleep disorders have the ability to take a toll on health and even the quality of life of people in a number of ways. Those with certain sleep disorders experience a reduction in daytime functionality related to mental fog, sleepiness, and an increased risk of motor vehicle accidents.

“Fortunately, studies have demonstrated that treating certain sleep disorders effectively reduces health care utilization and costs. Therefore, sleep issues should not be ignored. Greater recognition of sleep disorders and an early referral to a sleep specialist are essential,” said Dr. Huyett. 

Studies looking into the remedies helpful for sleep continue to pile up. It is worth noting that research has time and again shown some kitchen ingredients are helpful for sleep improvement. These include the use of a medicinal mushroom called lion’s mane, which is consumed widely today through supplementation. 

Researchers reveal it has anti-inflammatory, cognitive-decline-fighting, nerve repairing, neuroprotective, cardiovascular-health enhancing, blood-pressure-lowering, immunity-boosting, cholesterol-regulating, and weight management properties. Scientists suggest that this remedy has three special brain-supporting compounds: hericenones, erinacines, and NGF. It is worth noting that the NGF aids in regulating naturally-occurring cycles of sleep and wakefulness. It can be obtained through the use of formulas like Divine Bounty Lion’s Mane. (https://amazon.com/Organic-Lions-Mane-Mushroom-Capsules/dp/B07LGR1KN7).