Survey: Information on cost of sleep therapy needed

DARIEN, Ill. - Patients need better access to affordable sleep care, according to a new study from the American Alliance for Healthy Sleep.

Seventy eight percent of respondents reported that cost affects their decision to seek medical care; and 54% reported they were unaware of whether their insurance covered sleep services.

At the same time, 48% percent of respondents reported that their primary care physician never asked them about sleep.

“Millions of people in the U.S. have a sleep disorder that impairs their health, well-being, safety and performance,” said AAHS Chair Patti Van Landingham. “It is critical for people who have a sleep disorder to receive accurate health information, and they need convenient access to affordable, patient-centered medical care from knowledgeable health care professionals who understand the importance of healthy sleep.”

The survey included responses from 289 participants. Sixty-six percent were female; 43% indicated they have a diagnosed sleep disorder; and 17% of those with a sleep disorder reported being unable to afford medication or therapy.

Other findings from the survey: 75% of respondents said they have actively searched for sleep health information, but 59% reported that additional resources are needed, including more educational resources on sleep and improved education for medical professionals.

AAHS conducted the survey as part of its “Access to Information�Access to Care” awareness campaign, which seeks to establish how the organization can improve access to care.

An executive summary of the survey findings is available at www.sleepallies.org