Sleep disorder ups socio-economic cost
Last Updated: Friday, January 14, 2011, 00:00

A new study at the University of Copenhagen and the Danish Institute for Health Services Research has examined the socio-economic consequences of the sleep disorder hypersomnia, revealing that it has far-reaching consequences for both the individual and society as a whole.

People suffering from the disorder are extremely sleepy and need to take a nap several times a day.




They also found an increase in the intake of medication, a higher rate of hospital admissions, and 30pc more unemployment when the disease went undiagnosed and untreated. There is, however, significant potential for better diagnosis and treatment.

"We have gotten better in the last few years at diagnosing and treating hypersomnia and the underlying diseases, "explained Poul Jennum.

This can be a help to patients because we know that there are a lot of people who go around incredibly tired during the day who do suffer from hypersomnia, but have never been diagnosed or discovered the reason for their tiredness. It`s clear that those who suffer from hypersomnia are more often ill and where hypersomnia is chronic, the economic costs to society can be quite considerable.




First Published: Friday, January 14, 2011, 00:00

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