Why Sleep is the Missing Pillar in America’s Health Crisis—And How Circadian Health is Leading the Way
In a nation grappling with chronic disease, mental health challenges, and skyrocketing healthcare costs, one crucial factor is often overlooked: sleep health. Despite mounting evidence that sleep is essential for overall well-being, it remains a neglected component of public health.
Experts in sleep science have long argued that chronic sleep deprivation—especially among teenagers—is a silent crisis affecting education, public safety, and long-term health outcomes. Studies have consistently linked insufficient sleep to increased risks of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, mental health disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions. Yet, meaningful action to integrate sleep into healthcare strategies remains limited.
At Circadian Health, we recognize that sleep is not just a lifestyle choice—it is a cornerstone of preventive healthcare. As a leader in virtual specialty care, we are committed to addressing this crisis by making sleep care more accessible, affordable, and effective.
Sleep Deprivation: A “Gateway” to Chronic Disease
Sleep deprivation has been identified as a major contributor to chronic disease. It increases reliance on stimulants like caffeine and prescription medications and exacerbates mental health conditions.
More than 70 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders, yet an alarming 90% of adults with sleep apnea remain undiagnosed (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). The economic burden of sleep disorders in the U.S. exceeds $411 billion annually, factoring in lost productivity, increased medical expenses, and preventable hospitalizations (RAND Corporation).
This is not just a public health issue—it is a healthcare cost crisis. Left unaddressed, poor sleep escalates the cost of treating chronic conditions, placing a strain on both individuals and the healthcare system.
Circadian Health: A Data-Driven, Virtual Approach to Sleep Care
At Circadian Health, we believe that early detection and intervention are key to reversing this trend. Our virtual-first, end-to-end sleep care solution removes traditional barriers to diagnosis and treatment, empowering patients to take control of their sleep health from home.
Our approach includes:
At-Home Sleep Diagnostics:
Patients no longer need to endure long wait times for in-lab sleep studies. Our wearable technology enables real-time data collection, making testing more convenient and accessible.
Rapid Specialist Access:
Our 50-state network of board-certified sleep specialists ensures same-day and next-day virtual visits, eliminating the months-long delays typical of in-person care.
Guideline-Directed Sleep Therapy:
We go beyond CPAP prescriptions, integrating behavioral coaching, lifestyle interventions, and advanced treatment options to improve adherence and long-term outcomes.
Continuous Engagement and Monitoring:
Our cellular-connected devices and AI-enabled insights allow us to proactively track patient adherence, optimize treatment plans, and prevent complications before they escalate.
School Start Times & Sleep Equity: A Public Health Imperative
One of the most well-documented issues in sleep research is the impact of early school start times on adolescent health. Leading organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics have long advocated for later school start times to align with teenagers’ natural circadian rhythms. Yet, implementation has been slow.
Delaying school start times isn’t just about improving academic performance—it’s about protecting public health. Insufficient sleep among teens is linked to:
Obesity and Type 2 diabetes due to disrupted metabolism.
Depression and anxiety, with increased risk of suicidal thoughts.
Increased car accidents, as drowsy driving among teens mimics the effects of drunk driving.
Circadian Health supports evidence-based policies that promote healthier sleep habits for adolescents—because better sleep today leads to healthier futures tomorrow.
The Future of Healthcare Must Include Sleep
Sleep is a foundational element of public health, yet it remains an afterthought in both policy and clinical care. That must change.
At Circadian Health, we are leading this transformation by integrating virtual-first, AI-powered sleep care into chronic disease management. Our innovative approach is helping patients avoid preventable hospitalizations, improve chronic disease outcomes, and lower the total cost of care.
If healthcare leaders, employers, and policymakers fail to prioritize sleep, the nation will continue to bear the consequences—both in terms of health outcomes and economic burden. It’s time to elevate sleep health from an afterthought to a national priority—and Circadian Health is at the forefront of this movement.
Join the Movement for Better Sleep & Better Health
Circadian Health is committed to expanding access to high-quality, affordable specialty care, ensuring that sleep is recognized as an essential part of preventive healthcare.
If your organization is looking to improve employee health, reduce healthcare costs, and prevent chronic conditions, let's talk.
Better Sleep. Better Health. Better Outcomes.
Contact us to learn how Circadian Health is revolutionizing sleep care.