Free Sleep Apnea Screenings for New Yorkers
Sometimes, health problems follow patterns that are hard to recognize. Sleep apnea often appears this way, not obvious, but a collection of worsening symptoms that seem unrelated until a medical professional connects them. This makes the recent New York City law providing free sleep apnea screenings so important for people who would otherwise not have access to this type of care. Keep reading to learn more.
Sleep Apnea Screening Made More Accessible
The new law, effective June 15, 2025, requires the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to oversee a program that provides free obstructive sleep apnea screenings and at-home sleep tests. To raise awareness in the community, there’s also a campaign called “More Than a Snore” that helps citizens recognize the sleep-robbing symptoms that can indicate sleep apnea. Under this program, free sleep apnea screenings are available to all New Yorkers.
A major barrier to treating sleep apnea is access to care. Traditional studies require overnight stays in the clinic, slow referral processes, and significant inconvenience. More Than a Snore breaks down that barrier by simplifying the initial screening step. The goal is to give more people the opportunity to get vital information about their health and seek treatment if needed.
A Great Start
While this program is currently available only in New York, we sincerely hope that other cities and states begin implementing similar programs, as sleep apnea is a serious health threat affecting millions of people across the country. Free screenings would help these people receive the answers they need to make important healthcare decisions.
Untreated sleep apnea can have serious health consequences beyond daytime fatigue. As the effects accumulate, the consequences become more severe and can become life threatening. We know that uncontrolled sleep apnea is linked to high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. Screening is the first step to prevention.
Get Screened
Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your health. The best thing you can do for yourself and your loved ones is get a screening and talk to us about your treatment options if we discover you have OSA.
If you suspect you have sleep apnea, or you believe your partner may, don’t delay — get screened. Call one of our locations in Silverdale, WA, Bellevue, WA, and Federal Way, WA. As a longtime sleep medicine provider, we’re here to help.
