We spend a large chunk of our lifetimes asleep — the average person spends around 26 years of their life snoozing, and all this sleep has a major impact on our bodies. Not only does sleep allow us to replenish and recharge after a tiring day, but it is also the time when the body purges itself of toxic waste, repairs cells, and releases useful molecules such as proteins and hormones. If you consistently fail to get enough quality sleep, you greatly increase your risk of getting medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attack, heart failure or stroke.
According to a new study on sleep deprivation by researchers at Mass Eye and Ear, lack of sleep is causing American taxpayers billions of dollars in healthcare costs every year. Individuals suffering from sleep disorders often require more doctor visits as well as more prescriptions, cumulatively costing the United States an extra $94 billion in health care costs annually. The study, which was published in the “Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine,” found that people with sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and insomnia had double the number of doctor visits and medical prescriptions compared to people without such conditions.
Additionally, patients with sleep disorders are also much more likely to be suffering from comorbid medical conditions and to visit the emergency room. To arrive at these conclusions, the researchers studied data from a national survey of more than 22,000 U.S. citizens. Dubbed the 2018 Medial Expenditure Panel Survey, the poll was conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
At least 5.6% of the respondents, or almost 13.6 million Americans, were afflicted with at least one sleep disorder. However, estimates put the number of Americans suffering from insomnia at 10% to 20% of the country’s population. Such individuals rack up an average of $7,000, or more than 60% more — in health-care expenses annually compared to people without sleep disorders. Cumulatively, this adds up to an extra $94.9 billion spent on addressing issues caused by sleep conditions.
These patients have an average of more than 16 doctor visits and 40 prescriptions for medication compared to individuals without sleep disorders who have 9 yearly doctor visits and 22 medical prescriptions. Not only do sleep-related conditions cost patients more in health-care costs and visits, but they also mean more time is spent out of school and work, reducing patients’ overall productivity. To avoid developing extreme health issues such as cardiovascular conditions, anyone should seek medical help from a sleep specialist as soon they develop any sleep problems, says study author Phillip Huyett.
Health issues resulting from sleep deprivation aren’t the only ones keeping biomedical sector players busy. Cancers are also on the rise, and many firms, such as Imagin Medical Inc. (CSE: IME) (OTCQB: IMEXF), are focused on developing technologies and tools that allow surgeons to view cancerous tissues clearly during procedures so they are able to remove those malignant tissues.
NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Imagin Medical Inc. (CSE: IME) (OTCQB: IMEXF) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/IMEXF
About BioMedWire
BioMedWire (BMW) is a bio-med news and content distribution company that provides (1) access to a network of wire services via InvestorWire to reach all target markets, industries and demographics in the most effective manner possible, (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ news outlets (3), enhanced press release services to ensure maximum impact, (4) social media distribution via the Investor Brand Network (IBN) to nearly 2 million followers, (5) a full array of corporate communications solutions, and (6) a total news coverage solution with BMW Prime. As a multifaceted organization with an extensive team of contributing journalists and writers, BMW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that desire to reach a wide audience of investors, consumers, journalists and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, BMW brings its clients unparalleled visibility, recognition and brand awareness. BMW is where news, content and information converge.
To receive SMS text alerts from BioMedWire, text “STOCKS” to 77948 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)
For more information, please visit https://www.biomedwire.com
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the BioMedWire website applicable to all content provided by BMW, wherever published or re-published: http://BMW.fm/Disclaimer
BioMedWire (BMW)
San Francisco, California
www.biomedwire.com
415.949.5050 Office
Editor@BioMedWire.com
BioMedWire is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork.
