How Many People Have Sleep Apnea Worldwide? Stats for 2024

Sleep apnea is a serious and growing health issue, with millions of people affected worldwide.

Understanding the global prevalence of this condition is crucial for improving diagnosis rates and raising awareness about its risks.

But just how many people have sleep apnea?

In this article, we’ll explore the latest global statistics, how sleep apnea affects different regions, and why early diagnosis is so important.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Before diving into the numbers, it’s important to understand what sleep apnea is and why it matters.

Sleep apnea is a disorder where a person’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common form is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which occurs when throat muscles relax too much during sleep, blocking the airway.

There’s also central sleep apnea, which involves the brain failing to send proper signals to muscles that control breathing.

People with sleep apnea often experience loud snoring, daytime fatigue, and difficulty staying asleep. If left untreated, it can lead to severe health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

You can learn more about the symptoms and differences in our Comprehensive Guide to Sleep Apnea Types and Symptoms.

Global Prevalence of Sleep Apnea

As of 2024, over 936 million adults aged 30 to 69 globally are estimated to have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

This massive figure highlights how widespread sleep apnea is, but the real number could be even higher because many cases go undiagnosed.

In fact, research suggests that 80% of people with moderate to severe OSA are undiagnosed. This means millions of individuals live with sleep apnea without realizing it, putting their health at risk.

Prevalence by Region

The prevalence of sleep apnea varies significantly across different regions. While global awareness is rising, diagnosis rates are still uneven, influenced by healthcare systems, lifestyle, and genetics.

• North America: With an estimated 25 million adults diagnosed in the U.S. alone, sleep apnea statistics show some of the highest rates here.
• Asia: Countries like China and India have over 200 million combined suspected cases of obstructive sleep apnea.
• Europe: In Europe, around 24% of men and 9% of women are estimated to have sleep apnea, though many cases remain undiagnosed.

Who Is Most at Risk for Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea doesn’t discriminate, but certain demographics are at a higher risk.

Men are twice as likely to have obstructive sleep apnea as women.

Age is also a major factor—people over the age of 40 are at a much higher risk.

Here are a few of the key risk factors:

• Obesity: Over 70% of people with sleep apnea are obese. Carrying extra weight, especially around the neck, can obstruct airways during sleep, leading to OSA.
• Family history: Genetics plays a role in your likelihood of developing sleep apnea. If sleep apnea runs in your family, you may be more at risk.
• Smoking and alcohol use: Both smoking and alcohol relax the throat muscles, making it easier for the airway to become blocked during sleep.

The Impact of Undiagnosed Sleep Apnea

One of the most concerning aspects of sleep apnea is the high number of undiagnosed cases.

Studies suggest that up to 80% of people with moderate to severe sleep apnea are unaware they have it. This is alarming because untreated sleep apnea can lead to severe health consequences.

Health Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea

• Heart disease and stroke: People with untreated obstructive sleep apnea are at a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular problems. The repeated oxygen deprivation during sleep can cause high blood pressure, heart disease, and even increase the risk of stroke.
• Diabetes: Sleep apnea has been linked to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Without proper treatment, sleep apnea can worsen blood sugar control, increasing the risk of developing diabetes.
• Mental health: Untreated sleep apnea is often associated with anxiety and depression. Chronic sleep deprivation can take a toll on mental health, affecting mood, memory, and cognitive function.

Diagnosing and Treating Sleep Apnea

Given the high number of undiagnosed cases, early diagnosis is key to managing sleep apnea effectively. A sleep study is often the first step to finding out whether you have sleep apnea. These studies can be conducted either in a sleep lab or at home using a portable device that monitors your breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and sleep stages.

Once diagnosed, most people are treated with a CPAP machine (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). A CPAP machine keeps your airways open by delivering a continuous flow of air through a mask, preventing pauses in breathing.

CPAP therapy has been shown to significantly reduce the risks associated with untreated sleep apnea, including heart disease and stroke.

However, for many people, it can take some time to get used to the equipment. If you’re new to CPAP, we’ve put together a Beginner’s Guide to CPAP Therapy to help you get started.

The Economic and Social Impact of Sleep Apnea

Beyond the individual health risks, sleep apnea also has broader economic and social implications. The costs associated with untreated sleep apnea are significant. In the U.S. alone, it’s estimated that sleep apnea-related health complications cost the healthcare system billions of dollars each year.

Missed workdays, reduced productivity, and increased healthcare usage all contribute to the financial burden.

Additionally, untreated sleep apnea can affect a person’s quality of life. Poor sleep can lead to mood changes, difficulty concentrating, and even dangerous situations, such as falling asleep while driving.

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

Early diagnosis is essential not only for improving individual health outcomes but also for reducing the broader economic burden of sleep apnea.

Addressing undiagnosed sleep apnea could save lives, prevent long-term health complications, and reduce healthcare costs.

If you suspect you have sleep apnea, don’t wait—talk to a healthcare professional and consider undergoing a sleep study. CPAP therapy and other treatments are highly effective and can dramatically improve your quality of life.

Conclusion: Addressing the Global Sleep Apnea Epidemic

With nearly a billion people affected worldwide, sleep apnea is a growing global health crisis.

Undiagnosed sleep apnea can lead to severe health consequences, but the good news is that effective treatments are available.

Awareness, early diagnosis, and proper treatment are key to managing this condition and improving both health and quality of life.

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