A new report from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine indicates that obstructive sleep apnea is a hidden health crisis in the United States.
It estimates that undiagnosed sleep apnea cost the U.S. about $150 billion in 2015. It also projects that sleep apnea afflicts 29.4 million men and women in the U.S.
The report estimates that untreated sleep apnea causes $87 billion in lost productivity each year. Sleep apnea also causes millions of dollars per year in work and auto accidents.
The report noted that sleep apnea increases the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. Sleep apnea also raises the risk of diabetes and depression. Total health care and medication costs related to undiagnosed sleep apnea add up to $30 billion a year.