Shining a Light on Living with OSA

SHINE Survey Results

The SHINE (Sleep Health Inquiries on Needs and Emotions) survey is the largest psychosocial sleep survey ever conducted, capturing responses from 1,500 people living with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

The SHINE survey was developed and its findings analyzed in consultation with sleep health patient advocacy groups and experts. This partnership ensured that the diverse experiences, needs, and perspectives of the OSA community were accurately represented.

Apnimed initiated this groundbreaking survey to shine a light on the psychosocial impact and burdens experienced by people living with OSA. We explored the behaviors and stigmas behind OSA and how the serious sleep-related breathing disease impacts people’s relationships, careers, mental health, and more.

The SHINE survey results expose the profound daily challenges experienced by people with OSA. These results necessitate a clear call to action: calling for greater awareness, a deeper understanding of these impacts, and the need to cultivate compassion for people living with OSA.

Miranda Chappel-Farley, PhD

Sleep Neuroscientist and Patient Advocate Living with OSA

Understanding the Personal Challenges of Living with OSA

SHINE reveals the often-overlooked effects of OSA on people’s everyday lives. The survey provides a clearer picture of how OSA impacts individuals’ mental health, careers, relationships with loved ones, and other aspects of their lives.

Here are some of the survey’s key findings:

Exhaustion is a primary concern.

74% of participants report experiencing fatigue

A brain with a plus sign inside a circle

People with OSA often struggle with mental health disorders.

54% report anxiety
48% report depression
23% report ADHD/ADD

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OSA is keeping people from being fully present with their friends and family.

66% of participants agreed with “The exhaustion I experience from OSA effects my ability to be present for my loved ones”
Nearly 50% of people in relationships are unable to share a bed with their partners

OSA is holding people back from career goals.

92% of participants stated that OSA symptoms have affected their work in the last week
62% of participants agreed with “The impact of OSA on my work has hurt my chances of reaching my career goals”

The most important concern for people living with OSA is the consequences of the disease on their health.

59% of participants reported “long-term health effects of OSA” as a major concern.

Methodology: The objective of the SHINE survey was to better understand the psychosocial gaps and needs of people living with OSA. A representative group of 1,500 people were surveyed. Five additional, in-depth interviews were conducted to support contextual analysis and provide participants’ perspectives on their lived experiences.

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Thank You to the Community,
Advocacy Partners, and Expert Consultants

Apnimed is proud to collaborate with the sleep community. We are grateful for the crucial role played by advocacy groups and experts in developing and reviewing the survey to ensure we accurately and authentically understand the emotional, social, and behavioral impact of OSA.

Consultant Partners: