Survey shows ‘devastating’ impact of sleep apnea

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Two-thirds of respondents said exhaustion from obstructive sleep apnea affects their ability to be present with loved ones, according to a new survey from Apnimed. 

The company’s Sleep Health Inquiries on Needs and Emotions (SHINE), which surveyed 1,500 people living with OSA, found: 

• 74% reported feeling worn out or exhausted from fatigue 

• 67% reported fearing long-term health consequences 

• 34% reported fearing dying 

"The SHINE survey has powerfully captured the voices and challenges faced by individuals living with OSA, a chronic illness that has failed to receive the public attention it deserves," said Monica P. Mallampalli, PhD, executive director, Alliance of Sleep Apnea Partners. "The real-life experiences of living with OSA spotlighted in the results emphasize the need for greater awareness, both for the public and for health care providers, to improve recognition and management of this often-overlooked condition." 

The Alliance of Sleep Apnea Partners, American Sleep Apnea Association and Project Sleep were part of a group of advocacy organizations that collaborated with Apnimed on the survey.  

Key findings include: 

• 92% of respondents stated that OSA affects their work and 86% stated it affects their ability to do other daily activities (e.g., childcare, chores, exercise, etc.) 

• Younger people with OSA (aged 18-34) who do not match the common stereotype of OSA affecting older individuals reported struggling with low self-esteem (42%) and anxiety (54%) and said OSA makes them feel misunderstood or isolated (56%) 

• 57% of respondents shared that living with OSA negatively impacts their relationships with family and friends 

• 67% reported feeling depressed or hopeless 

Full survey results and methodology can be viewed on OSASurvey.com.