Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that can cause chronic exhaustion and affect your ability to work. In severe cases, untreated sleep apnea may qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD). Understanding your symptoms and treatment options is the first step toward better sleep and long-term health. Enticare’s ENT clinic is conveniently located in Gilbert, making expert sleep care close to home.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea occurs when breathing repeatedly stops during sleep. Common symptoms include loud snoring, gasping for air, excessive daytime sleepiness, and ongoing fatigue. There are three main types:
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Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Caused by airway blockage during sleep
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Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): The brain fails to signal breathing muscles
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Complex Sleep Apnea: A combination of both
Untreated sleep apnea raises the risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.
Causes and Treatment Options
Risk factors include obesity, smoking, alcohol use, nasal congestion, and family history. Treatment depends on severity and may include:
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Lifestyle changes such as weight loss
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CPAP therapy to keep airways open
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Inspire therapy, an FDA-approved implant that stimulates breathing
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Surgical options when other treatments fail
Sleep Apnea and Social Security Disability
Sleep apnea alone is not classified as a disability by the SSA. However, severe symptoms and related conditions—such as heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, or cognitive impairment—may qualify you for SSD benefits if they prevent you from working.
Get Help from a Sleep Specialist in Gilbert
If sleep apnea disrupts your daily life, Enticare’s ENT and sleep specialists in Gilbert can help. We provide sleep studies, advanced treatments like Inspire, and guidance for SSD medical documentation. Schedule an appointment today to start breathing—and sleeping—better.