National Sleep Foundation Research Reveals Nearly 1/3 of Americans Diagnosed with Sleep Apnea are Not Receiving Treatment Despite Health Risks

Only ¼ of Americans Can Identify the Health Consequences of Untreated Sleep Apnea

WASHINGTON, March 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of the National Sleep Foundation's (NSF) mission to improve health and well-being through sleep education and advocacy, today NSF debuts results from the Understanding Sleep Apnea Survey. This new independent research and report, supported by Inspire Medical Systems, Inc., shares new insights into how Americans view the severity of sleep apnea and opportunities to increase diagnosis and treatment of the disorder. Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders. Nearly 4 in 10 adults (38%) are at an increased risk for sleep apnea.

NSF independently conducted a nationally representative survey of over 1,000 US adults to identify the public's current understanding of and attitudes about sleep apnea symptoms, treatment options and preferences, and consequences of untreated sleep apnea. Key findings from the research revealed:

• Nearly 9 in 10 adults (88%) say sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that is important to treat, yet nearly one third (31%) of those already diagnosed with sleep apnea are not currently receiving treatment.
• 78% of Americans aren't aware of all the treatment options available for sleep apnea. Nearly 9 in 10 adults (88%) recognized CPAP therapy, but more than 40% weren't aware of options like surgery, implantable devices, and medication, among other approved treatments.
• 1 in 4 Americans can only identify a few health consequences of untreated sleep apnea despite untreated sleep apnea being linked to poor cardiovascular, metabolic, and cognitive health.

"National Sleep Foundation is concerned about the impact of undiagnosed and untreated sleep apnea on our nation's health. It's a serious public health concern that affects tens of millions of Americans, and the public regularly asks NSF for education about the disorder. By finding and addressing gaps in the public's understanding, attitudes, and actions about sleep apnea, we're doing our part to help people ultimately get to a clinical professional and take the right steps towards treatments they may need." said John Lopos, NSF CEO.

"Inspire Medical Systems, Inc. understands the importance of supporting this study by the National Sleep Foundation and collaborating to share its results. We believe these important findings shed light on the critical gaps and opportunities in education on sleep apnea consequences and treatments, which could ultimately help many people get healthy sleep. Knowing the public can benefit from innovative alternatives, Inspire is committed to advancing the awareness of treatment options and access for patients, including with its FDA-approved treatment for those with obstructive sleep apnea who have tried and failed CPAP. By supporting this work, we hope all Americans can better understand the importance of sleep and its impact on their health," said Tim Herbert, Inspire Medical Systems Chairman & Chief Executive Officer.

With these NSF study results, NSF and Inspire will collaborate to raise awareness of the health consequences of untreated sleep apnea and seek to educate about barriers and opportunities that can help improve diagnosis and treatment of the disorder, towards NSF's promise to help anyone and everyone be their Best Slept Self^®.

The Understanding Sleep Apnea Report and source research was independently produced by National Sleep Foundation (NSF). Funding for these activities and support to share NSF's results were provided by Inspire Medical Systems, Inc. The report is released during NSF's 27^th annual Sleep Awareness Week^®, a multi-sponsored educational and public awareness campaign, for which Inspire Medical Systems, Inc. is a Platinum Sponsor. NSF independently produces Sleep Awareness Week and all related official educational content.

For more information on the survey findings, visit: www.theNSF.org/SleepApneaSurvey.

About the National Sleep Foundation
There's only one National Sleep Foundation (NSF). NSF is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health and well-being through sleep education and advocacy. Founded in 1990, the NSF is committed to advancing excellence in sleep health theory, research and practice. In its 35 years, NSF has promoted sleep health through expert recommendations, consensus guidelines, tech standards, and easy-to-use tips and tools to improve sleep. For more information about NSF, visit www.theNSF.org│SleepHealthJournal.org

About Inspire Medical Systems, Inc.
Inspire Medical Systems, Inc., is a medical technology company, providing Inspire^® therapy–a mask-free solution for people with moderate to severe OSA who have tried and failed CPAP. More information, including important safety information and product manuals, can be found at inspiresleep.com/safety or by calling 1-844-OSA-HELP. For additional information about Inspire, please visit www.inspiresleep.com. 

SOURCE National Sleep Foundation