Dietary risk factors analysis and expenditure estimation on sleep disorders among US adults

Abstract

Sleep disorders are increasingly recognized as a significant public health concern, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. These disorders encompass a range of conditions, including insomnia, sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and narcolepsy, each of which can profoundly impact an individual's quality of life. The prevalence of sleep disorders has been rising, with studies indicating that approximately one-third of adults report some form of sleep disturbance in the United States of America. This growing prevalence not only affects individual well-being but also has substantial economic implications for healthcare systems and society as a whole. Dietary intake such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats are thought to have been associated with sleep disorders. In Chapter Two, a sample weighted binary regression model was used explore the relationship between dietary trace element intakes and sleep disorders, emphasizing the potential of targeted nutritional interventions in managing sleep disorders. In this study, it was discovered that inadequate dietary selenium and iron intake were associated with increased risk of sleep disorders.Dietary copper intake (1.1-1.65 mg/day) higher than the recommended value was associated with decreased risk of sleep disorders. Trace elements intake changes can lead to increased prevalence and severity of sleep disorders, which generate a significant economic burden. The expenditure for treating sleep disorders can be influenced by preventive measures related to trace element supplementation or diet changes. The costs encompass expenses related to physician visits, diagnostic tests, medications, and therapies aimed at improving sleep quality, as well as indirect costs due to work productivity loss. Understanding these costs is essential for policymakers and healthcare providers to allocate resources effectively and develop targeted interventions. In Chapter Three, the overall economic impact of sleep disorders was quantified in the United States from 2018 to 2022. This study revealed that the direct healthcare costs for patients with sleep disorders approached $17891 per capita in 2022. A two part model controlling for demographics and comorbid conditions was used to estimate the incremental costs of sleep disorders. The total incremental costs attributable to sleep disorders reached $88.9 billion, accounting for 0.35% of the US gross domestic product (GDP) and 2% of the total healthcare spending. These direct healthcare expenditures marked a 4% increase compared to the expenditures in 2018. This study also found that the indirect costs attributable to sleep disorders were estimated to be $5894 million in total, a 93% increase compared to $3059 million in 2018. This thesis explored the relationship between dietary trace element intakes and sleep disorders and highlighted the need for cost-effective and evidence-based approaches to mitigate the healthcare expenditures associated with sleep disorders.