The $150 Billion Wake-Up Call: The Real Cost of Ignoring Sleep Apnea

Dr. Martin Hopp MD, ENT
Every night, millions of Americans stop breathing multiple times in their sleep—and most don’t even know it. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) affects nearly 30 million adults in the United States, yet only about 6 million are diagnosed. Left untreated, this condition doesn't just hurt individuals—it bleeds our economy, strains our healthcare system, and costs lives.
According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), untreated OSA cost the U.S. economy a staggering $149.6 billion in 2015 alone.
The Economic Breakdown of Ignoring Sleep Apnea

AASM's landmark report, Hidden Health Crisis Costing America Billions, provides a sobering financial breakdown:
- $86.9 billion in lost productivity
- $30 billion in increased healthcare utilization
- $26.2 billion in motor vehicle accidents
- $6.5 billion in workplace accidents
These are conservative estimates, with calculations drawn from real-world insurance claims, public health data, and hospital records. And they fail to capture the emotional and social toll of disrupted lives.
"When sleep apnea is left undiagnosed, we’re not just risking individual health, we’re compromising public safety and economic stability," says Dr. Timothy Morgenthaler, former president of the AASM.
Health Fallout: What Untreated OSA Does to the Body
A study published in Sleep (2014) showed untreated OSA patients had significantly more hospital visits and ER admissions than those receiving treatment.
"We see untreated OSA patients develop secondary conditions that would otherwise be avoidable," notes Dr. Nathaniel Watson. "This isn't just a sleep issue, it's a systemic health crisis."
Treatment Is Cheaper and More Effective Than You Think

The cost of diagnosing and treating OSA averages $2,105 per patient, compared to $6,366 per untreated individual, according to AASM. And that doesn't include indirect savings like lower insurance costs, improved mental health, or reduced caregiver burden.
Treatment options include:
- CPAP therapy (gold standard)
- Oral appliances like the Daybreak MAD
- Weight loss and positional therapy
- Surgery for select patients
A 2020 AASM survey revealed that 78% of patients reported life-changing improvements with therapy, including better sleep quality, alertness, and emotional well- being.
"We now know that effective OSA treatment reduces healthcare costs across the board - from ER visits to chronic disease management," says Dr. Watson.
The Hidden Dangers Behind the Wheel and on the Job

Sleep apnea doesn’t just threaten the individual— it puts others at risk, too. The AASM report shows that drivers with untreated OSA are up to 15 times more likely to cause a car crash. This results in $26.2 billion annually in crash-related expenses.
In workplaces involving machinery, long shifts, or concentration, fatigue-related accidents spike. The result? Over $6.5 billion in worker's comp claims, downtime, and lost output.
"You wouldn't let someone drive drunk. So why allow someone chronically sleep-deprived behind the wheel or on a job site?" asks Dr. Morgenthaler.
Action Steps: Screening, Diagnosis & Prevention

Despite the scope of this issue, 80% of moderate-to-severe cases remain undiagnosed. Why? Lack of awareness, stigma, cost, and access to testing.
- Fortunately, progress is being made:
- Home sleep apnea tests are now widely available.
- Telemedicine allows for remote diagnosis and follow-up.
- Mandibular advancement devices (like Daybreak™ MAD) provide a convenient, portable solution.
- Workplace sleep health programs are gaining momentum.
