The undiagnosed may fit into these categories:
1. Patients have no idea that such a thing as Sleep Apnea exists.
2. They know about, but have no idea that they suffer from, Sleep Apnea .
3. They know they have the symptoms of Sleep Apnea but are in denial.
4. They know they have problems but refuse to do anything about it.
It is very difficult to get these people to want to be screened and diagnosed by just telling them that something is wrong. It is necessary for them to “see” it for themselves and for them to adopt a top down approach – of their own volition.The best way to do this is to educate them in the most simple, effective, non intimidating and cost effective way – we can show them films of OSA victims having sleep events. We must find a way to get them diagnosed and filmed and then show them their results. This is an massive education deficit issue.
Sources
American Sleep Apnea Association http://www.sleepapnea.org/i-am-a-health-care-professional.html
Indy Star, Lauran Neergaard, http://www.indystar.com/articles/9/186972-5719-052.html
Detroit Free Press, Bill Dow, http://www.freep.com/news/health/sleep2e_20041102.htm