Why Daytime Sleepiness Is a Red Flag—and How Circadian Is Addressing It
Yawning in meetings, nodding off during the afternoon commute, or needing that third cup of coffee just to function—many Americans brush off these signs of fatigue. But according to a new position paper from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), excessive daytime sleepiness is far from harmless. It’s a clinical warning sign of potential sleep disorders and broader chronic health issues that can lead to life-altering consequences, from car accidents to heart disease.
At Circadian Health, we believe that treating sleep disorders isn't just about helping people get better rest—it's about protecting lives, improving long-term health outcomes, and reducing avoidable healthcare costs. The findings in this new paper underscore the urgency and impact of our vertically integrated, virtual-first approach to sleep care.
Key Takeaways from the AASM Report:
Sleepiness Is a Public Health Crisis.
Drowsy driving is linked to roughly 100,000 car accidents each year. The inability to stay awake during low-stimulation activities isn’t simply fatigue—it’s often a sign of a deeper physiological problem.Chronic Sleep Deprivation Warps Self-Perception.
One of the most alarming findings: people with chronic sleep loss often overestimate how functional they are. Despite clear cognitive impairment, they may not recognize their risk levels, making them more vulnerable to accidents or poor decision-making.Microsleeps Are Dangerous and Often Go Unnoticed.
The brain can slip into “microsleeps” lasting a few seconds—even during critical tasks like driving—without the individual realizing it. These brief lapses pose significant safety risks.Sleep Disorders Are Largely Underdiagnosed.
Conditions like sleep apnea, insomnia, and circadian rhythm disorders affect millions but remain undetected due to lack of access to diagnostics and specialist care.Lifestyle Factors Can Worsen Sleep Quality.
Alcohol, marijuana, excessive screen time, and poor sleep hygiene can disrupt sleep architecture, further compounding existing issues.
How Circadian Health Is Solving the Sleep Crisis:
At Circadian Health, we see this report as a validation of our model: early detection, convenient diagnostics, and personalized virtual treatment can reverse the trajectory of sleep-related health decline.
Fast-Track Sleep Diagnosis:
While the traditional path to sleep care can take 3–10 months, Circadian diagnoses and initiates treatment in under 30 days. We ship at-home sleep diagnostics directly to patients and provide rapid interpretation by board-certified sleep specialists across all 50 states.
Comprehensive, Connected Care:
Sleep issues rarely exist in isolation. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), for instance, is closely linked with heart disease, diabetes, and depression. Circadian’s integrated care model spans sleep, cardiology, pulmonology, and endocrinology—ensuring we catch comorbidities early and treat them holistically.
Real-Time Monitoring & Ongoing Support:
With 24/7 connected devices and personalized coaching, patients receive continuous support from diagnosis through treatment. Our approach empowers behavior change and promotes long-term adherence to therapy.
Better Outcomes at Lower Costs:
We’ve seen a 22% decrease in hospitalizations and a 40% improvement in quality measures among enrolled patients. Early intervention isn’t just good medicine—it’s a cost-saving strategy for employers and health plans.
The Bottom Line
Excessive sleepiness isn’t just inconvenient—it’s dangerous. As the AASM’s report makes clear, it can impair judgment, jeopardize safety, and signal deeper health concerns. Circadian’s virtual-first, end-to-end sleep care solution addresses this silent epidemic by offering early, accessible, and evidence-based care—when and where patients need it most.
By combining clinical excellence with technology, we’re not only treating sleep disorders—we’re improving lives.
References:
CNN Health. "Yawning may be more dangerous than you think, experts say."
American Academy of Sleep Medicine, Position Statement, 2024.