It’s unclear whether everyone should be screened for a common sleep-related breathing problem, a government-backed US panel says.

There is insufficient evidence to say whether doctors should be routinely screening for obstructive sleep apnea in people who don’t have any symptoms, said Dr. Alexander Krist, a member of the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).

To see whether the existing research on obstructive sleep apnea supports screening everyone for the disorder, the USPSTF commissioned a systematic review of the scientific literature.

While the USPSTF can’t recommend that everyone be screened for obstructive sleep apnea, Krist said it shouldn’t stop people with symptoms from being tested.

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