Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects millions of Americans. Despite this fact, however, many people find that they don’t know all that much about it. What exactly is sleep apnea? Can it be considered a medical disability for social security purposes? And what can you do to have the condition treated? Your sleep dentist is here to share the answers to these important questions.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Having sleep apnea means that your breathing is repeatedly stopping and restarting while you slumber. This is typically caused by physical blockage of the airway, but it can also be a consequence of the brain failing to send the right signals to control breathing.
Sleep apnea is known to cause loud snoring. Furthermore, the pauses in breathing can force your body to briefly wake you up in an effort to get air. This means you’re constantly being pulled out of the sleep cycle throughout the night, meaning you end up feeling exhausted during the day. In the long term, sleep apnea can have severe health consequences such as an increased risk for heart problems.
Is Sleep Apnea Considered a Medical Disability?
Some people with sleep apnea may wonder if their disorder counts as a medical disability that can make them eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance. The answer depends on the severity of your condition. The United States Social Security Administration does not classify sleep apnea as a disability, but you could qualify for benefits if the disorder is serious enough to actively prevent you from working. Additionally, sleep apnea can result in chronic heart failure and other health conditions that are considered medical disabilities.
How Can Sleep Apnea Be Treated?
Once you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea (which requires a sleep test), you can start exploring your options for treatment. Many people utilize a CPAP machine that uses a constant stream of air to keep the airway open. However, while CPAP machines are effective, they also tend to be very noisy, and some people may even find them uncomfortable.
In certain circumstances, patients who are CPAP intolerant can switch to oral appliance therapy. Wearing a customized oral appliance can slightly adjust the position of your jaw in order to prevent blockage of the airway. This treatment option doesn’t involve bulky, noisy machinery and is much easier to travel with.
Regardless of whether or not your sleep apnea is severe enough to qualify you for Social Security Disability Insurance, you’ll want to be proactive about having it treated; addressing the problem quickly could make all the difference for your health and quality of life in the long term!
About the Author
Dr. David J. Drummond went to the Northwestern University Dental School in Chicago, and he has served in the United States Army Dental Corps. At his sleep apnea practice in Lawton, he focuses on helping his patients overcome their sleep apnea with the help of fully personalized oral appliances. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Drummond, visit his website or call (580) 355-0344.