What is Sleep Apnea? What are the Symptoms?

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses can last for several seconds or even minutes, and they can occur hundreds of times per night. There are two main types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA).

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

is the most common type of sleep apnea. It occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep, preventing air from reaching the lungs. This can happen due to relaxation of the throat muscles, excessive tissue in the throat, or a combination of both.

Central sleep apnea (CSA)

occurs when the brain fails to send signals to the muscles that control breathing. This can be caused by a variety of medical conditions, including heart disease, stroke, and neurological disorders.

Symptoms of sleep apnea can include:

  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Loud snoring
  • Choking or gasping during sleep
  • Morning headaches
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Irritability
  • Depression

What Are the Causes of Sleep Apnea & How is It Treated?

The exact cause of sleep apnea is unknown, but there are several risk factors that can increase your risk of developing the disorder, including:

  • Obesity
  • Being overweight
  • Having a family history of sleep apnea
  • Having a small airway
  • Having a history of smoking or alcohol abuse
  • Certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, and neurological disorders

Treatment for sleep apnea depends on the severity of the disorder and the underlying cause. Common treatments include:

  • Lifestyle changes, such as losing weight and quitting smoking
  • Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), a machine that delivers air pressure through a mask to keep the airway open during sleep
  • Oral appliances, which are devices that fit over the teeth to keep the airway open during sleep
  • Surgery, in some cases

How Does Social Security Disability Help Sleep Apnea Sufferers?

Social Security Disability (SSD) is a government program that provides financial assistance to people who are unable to work due to a disability. To qualify for SSD, you must meet certain medical and financial criteria.

Sleep apnea is not listed as a disability in the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Blue Book, which is the manual that the SSA uses to evaluate disability claims. However, you may still be eligible for SSD benefits if your sleep apnea is severe enough to prevent you from working.

To qualify for SSD benefits with sleep apnea, you must be able to show that:

  • Your sleep apnea is severe and prevents you from working a substantial gainful activity (SGA), which is defined as earning more than $1,350 per month.
  • Your sleep apnea is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death.

In addition to meeting these medical requirements, you must also meet certain financial requirements. You must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security for a certain number of years and have earned a certain amount of money.

Is Sleep Apnea a Disability?

In the strictest sense, sleep apnea is not considered a disability under the Social Security Administration’s guidelines. However, if your sleep apnea is severe enough to prevent you from working, you may still be eligible for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits.

To determine if you qualify for SSD benefits, the SSA will consider the severity of your sleep apnea, your medical history, your work history, and your ability to perform daily activities.

How Could I Potentially Qualify for SSD with a Sleep Apnea Disorder?

To potentially qualify for SSD with a sleep apnea disorder, you will need to provide the SSA with comprehensive documentation of your condition, including:

  • A diagnosis from a qualified medical professional
  • Medical records detailing your sleep apnea symptoms and treatment history
  • Evidence of your work history and earnings
  • Statements from your doctor and other healthcare providers attesting to your limitations due to sleep apnea

The SSD application process can be complex, and it is advisable to seek assistance from an experienced disability attorney to guide you through the process and maximize your chances of approval.