Spike in Sleeplessness: Is Sleep Apnea on the Rise?
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during the night. It affects not only the quality of rest but also long-term health, increasing the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke. In recent years, doctors and researchers have noted an alarming trend: the number of people being diagnosed with sleep apnea appears to be on the rise. But is sleep apnea really becoming more common, or are we just getting better at identifying it?
The Growing Numbers
According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, it’s estimated that nearly 30 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, yet many cases remain undiagnosed. Studies show that diagnoses have increased steadily over the past two decades. While part of this growth is due to greater awareness and improved screening tools, lifestyle and health trends also play a major role in the rise.
Why Sleep Apnea Cases Are Increasing
Obesity Rates Are Rising
One of the leading risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is obesity. Excess weight, especially around the neck and upper airway, can obstruct breathing during sleep. With obesity rates climbing worldwide, it’s no surprise that sleep apnea is also becoming more prevalent.
An Aging Population
As people get older, the risk of sleep apnea increases. Muscle tone in the throat naturally weakens with age, making airway obstruction more likely. Since life expectancy is increasing and populations are aging, more cases of sleep apnea are being detected.
Greater Awareness and Better Diagnostics
In the past, sleep apnea was often overlooked or mistaken for snoring or simple fatigue. Today, with advances in sleep studies, home testing, and more public awareness, more people are being screened and properly diagnosed.
Lifestyle and Health Factors
Smoking, alcohol use, and sedentary lifestyles can all contribute to the development or worsening of sleep apnea. As these factors persist in modern society, they add to the overall rise in cases.
The Hidden Dangers of Undiagnosed Sleep Apnea
Even though more people are being diagnosed, millions still live with sleep apnea without realizing it. Symptoms like loud snoring, morning headaches, daytime fatigue, and difficulty concentrating are often ignored. Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious health issues, including:
- Increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Poorly controlled diabetes.
- Weakened immune system.
- Reduced quality of life.
What Can Be Done?
The good news is that sleep apnea is highly treatable. Options include:
- Lifestyle changes such as weight loss, exercise, and reducing alcohol use.
- CPAP therapy (continuous positive airway pressure), which keeps airways open during sleep.
- Oral appliances that reposition the jaw to maintain airflow.
- Surgical interventions for severe or complex cases.
So, is sleep apnea on the rise? Evidence suggests that yes, cases are increasing—driven largely by obesity, aging populations, and lifestyle factors. At the same time, greater awareness and improved diagnostic tools mean more people are finally getting the help they need. If you suspect you or a loved one may have sleep apnea, don’t ignore the signs. Seeking a proper evaluation could protect not only your sleep, but also your overall health.
About the Author
As a fellow sufferer of obstructive sleep apnea, Dr. Jonathan Held knows firsthand what a massive difference restful sleep can have on a person. He earned his dental degree from the Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha and has since dedicated his career to treating sleep apnea, taking over 800 hours of continuing education almost entirely focused on the field of sleep medicine. He still trains rigorously through his memberships in the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. If you or a loved one suffer from restless nights due to sleep apnea, don’t delay – schedule your appointment online or call one of our offices located in the Sedona, Flagstaff, and Kingman areas.