Tag: sleep disorders

ARLINGTON, Va. – More than half of Americans (56%) say they have experienced an increase in sleep disturbances since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, according a survey commissioned by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.   Of the reported sleep disturbances, or “COVID-somnia,” most common was trouble falling or staying asleep (57%). Others included sleeping less (46%), experiencing worse quality sleep (45%) and having more disturbing dreams (36%).  “COVID-somnia...

YARMOUTH, Maine – Sleep disorders are associated with significantly higher rates of health care utilization and expenditures, according to a study published online in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine on Oct. 1. Using a conservative prevalence estimate found in the study, the authors found the overall incremental health care costs of sleep disorders in the United States represents about $94.9 billion. Adults with sleep disorders were found to have increased utilization of office visits,...

DARIEN, Ill. - The importance of a good night's sleep makes headlines regularly, and more and more medical professionals recognize the role of sleep in overall health, but a new survey from the American Alliance for Healthy Sleep, shows barriers remain.“The survey helped identify many of the barriers—just not knowing where to go, or how you are going to pay for it,” said says Patti Van Landingham, chairwoman of the alliance. “We have a lot of work ahead of us to provide the...

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...

A new group dedicated to sleep disorders could pack a lot of value for patients, say CPAP providers.“There's value in any support group,” said Todd Usher, co-founder of Home Oxygen Company in Modesto, Calif. “They can get ideas, how did you manage this, who is providing the services and equipment that you have? They get to feed off of other folks and how they are managing.”In January, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine announced it had launched the American Alliance for...

WASHINGTON - As part of its new Sleeptember campaign, the American Sleep Apnea Association is looking for its Ice Bucket Challenge.“I would love to tell you what it is, but we don't know yet,” said Adam Amdur, COO. “We invite the community to help us figure it out, whether it be a pajama party or a pillow fight or a hold your breath campaign.”In September, the association did a soft launch of Sleeptember, an annual campaign to raise awareness of sleep disorders, promote behavior...

LONE TREE, Colo. - Somnia, a sleep wellness and retail store, has published an e-book for people impacted by sleep disorders. The Sleep Disorder Guide: Symptoms, Treatments & Solutions describes 10 common symptoms of sleep disorders; analysis of what medical professional is best suited to treat various sleep disorders; and why a sleep care professional is a good choice for helping with certain conditions, according to a release. "Everyone deserves a good night's sleep," says Ann Fleming, Somnia's...

PHILADELPHIA - The American College of Physicians, in a clinical practice guideline published Aug. 5 in the Annals of Internal Medicine, recommends a sleep study for patients with unexplained daytime sleepiness. It also recommends polysomnography for diagnostic testing in patients suspected of obstructive sleep apnea. It recommends portable sleep monitors in patients without serious comorbidities as an alternative to polysomnography when polysomnography is not available for diagnostic testing. The...

SOMERSET, Pa. - The DeVilbiss clinical education team has created a lineup of live webinars in which providers can earn continuing education credits (CEUs), according to a press release. The webinars have been pre-approved through the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) and the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT) so sleep technologists and respiratory therapists can earn the professional credits. The lineup includes sessions on choosing the right oxygen system for...

NEW YORK - Sleep apnea may somehow cause—or be caused by—Alzheimer's disease, a new study suggests. Researchers at the New York University of Medicine found a correlation between the two conditions, but findings were preliminary, with nothing conclusive, according to an article from HealthDay news service. Lead author Dr. Ricardo Osorio, however, said that there deserves to be further study, since there may be a link between sleep, aging and memory. “It's clear that sleep is important...