3 Reasons Why Sleep Apnea Diagnoses are Increasing

If you feel like you’ve been hearing more and more about sleep apnea lately, you’re not imagining things. Studies show that the number of Americans suffering from sleep disorders is steadily increasing, and researchers calculate that as many as 26% of adults have sleep apnea. Naturally, there are a couple of different theories as to why this is happening, but three in particular stand out.

#1. Awareness

The first likely reason as to why sleep apnea diagnoses are increasing is simply that more people are becoming aware of the condition. After all, it’s hard to seek help for something you don’t even know exists! The more widespread information about sleep apnea symptoms becomes, the easier it is for individuals to recognize the signs and look for treatment.

#2. Stress

Studies are also showing a steady increase in stress levels amongst American adults, with nearly half saying that they experience it frequently. In 2024, the American Institute of Stress found that 53% of adults believe stress has a huge impact on their lives, and 40% identify lack of sleep as a contributing factor to their poor mental health.

As many people know, when you’re anxious, it’s much harder to fall and stay asleep! It’s no small wonder that rising stress levels are mirroring sleep disorder trends.

#3. Screens/Blue Light

It isn’t exactly a secret that society is becoming more and more dependent on screens. Whether this is beneficial or problematic is a different conversation entirely, but researchers do know that the blue light emanating from computers, phones, gaming consoles, and other such devices disrupts your sleep pattern. Even if you don’t scroll before bed, eight hours of work on your company laptop can certainly wire your brain to stay up longer.

Sleep disorders like sleep apnea are complicated. Many different factors can contribute to how well you rest, and chances are, there isn’t any one thing that’s interrupting your REM. Talk to your dental sleep expert and mental health provider about sleep apnea solutions and nightly support. With both of them on the case, you can promote good bedtime habits, free up your airway, and sleep peacefully.

About the Author

Dr. Deborah A. Romack has been attending continuing education courses on airway obstruction, snoring, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) since 2005. She’s a proud member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, and is well-qualified to help sleep apnea patients get a better night’s rest. If you have questions about sleep apnea or would like tips for managing your symptoms, call Dr. Romack’s office at 817-594-3806.