Back to Top Skip to main content Skip to sub-navigation
Need larger text?
This infographic provides information on Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) diagnosis and treatment of active duty U.S. Armed Forces to help primary care providers screen high-risk individuals and encourage patients to explore OSA treatment options for managing this burden of disease. The data comes from an analysis of sleep apnea conducted from 2004 through 2016. With appropriate diagnosis and treatment of OSA, this growing health concern for military populations can be effectively managed. OSA symptoms include snoring, gasping for breath during sleep, headaches, insomnia and daytime fatigue. During the surveillance period, OSA were highest in those aged 40 years or older, male non-Hispanic black, obese, army service members, married, had more than one prior deployment or had completed 18 years or more of service. The incidence rate among individuals aged 40 years or older was more than 3-fold higher in 2015 compared to 2004. Individuals serving 18 or more years had a 3-fold higher incidence rate of OSA in 2015, compared to 2004. The 12-year incidence rate in service members serving 18 years or more was more than 2-fold higher than those with 11-17 years of service. Improved screening, referral, and treatment have been recommended for individuals who may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, in which OSA-associated fatigue and poor sleep quality can exacerbate symptoms. Additionally, the STOP-BANG questionnaire for sleep apnea may help primary care providers to screen high-risk individuals and identify those whose symptoms warrant further evaluation. Individuals who suffer from OSA have increased rates of cardiovascular disease, chronic fatigue, motor vehicle accidents, cognitive impairment, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Learn more about OSA and treatment options for managing this burden of disease by visiting Health.Mil/AFHSB

This infographic provides information on Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) diagnosis and treatment of active duty U.S. Armed Forces to help primary care providers screen high-risk individuals and encourage patients to explore OSA treatment options for managing this burden of disease.

Recommended Content:

Total Force Fitness

What's New

DHA Address: 7700 Arlington Boulevard | Suite 5101 | Falls Church, VA | 22042-5101

Some documents are presented in Portable Document Format (PDF). A PDF reader is required for viewing. Download a PDF Reader or learn more about PDFs.