5 Reasons The Military Should be Screened For Sleep Apnea In Canada
01. Prevalence
Sleep apnea is a prevalent sleep disorder in Canada and has been identified as a significant risk factor for motor vehicle accidents, workplace accidents, and cardiovascular disease. Military personnel rely on their critical thinking abilities, which can be impaired if their sleep is disrupted repeatedly throughout the night due to sleep disordered breathing.
02. Occupational Risk
Members of the Canadian Armed Forces are at higher risk of developing sleep disorders or disturbances due to the demands of their occupation, which often involve long working hours, irregular schedules, and prolonged periods of physical and mental exertion.
03. Performance
Sleep apnea can lead to significant cognitive and performance impairments, including reduced vigilance, attention, and reaction time, which can impact the operational readiness of military personnel.
04. Health Care Costs
Untreated sleep apnea can lead to significant healthcare costs, including hospitalizations, medications, and other medical interventions. Screening for sleep apnea can help identify and treat this condition early, potentially reducing the long-term healthcare costs for the Canadian Armed Forces.
05. Improved Quality of Life
Treatment of sleep apnea has been shown to improve overall quality of life, including improved mood, energy levels, and cognitive function. This can benefit military personnel both on and off-duty, improving their ability to perform their duties effectively and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Sleep Efficiency can offer a complete sleep solution including home-based sleep testing for the Canadian Armed Forces.