Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that can lead to chronic exhaustion and major health risks. In severe cases, sleep apnea may even affect your ability to work. If symptoms significantly interfere with daily life, some patients may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. New treatment options can also help reduce symptoms and improve sleep quality.
Sleep apnea happens when breathing repeatedly stops during sleep. Common symptoms include loud snoring, gasping for air, long pauses in breathing, morning headaches, and excessive daytime sleepiness. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep. Less common types include central sleep apnea, caused by signaling issues from the brain, and complex sleep apnea, which combines both.
Risk factors for sleep apnea include excess weight, smoking, alcohol use, family history, large neck size, and chronic nasal congestion. Untreated sleep apnea increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and diabetes, so early treatment matters.
Treatment options range from lifestyle changes and CPAP therapy to advanced solutions like Inspire® hypoglossal nerve stimulation. Some patients may also benefit from corrective surgical procedures when other treatments fail.
If sleep apnea prevents you from maintaining employment, you may qualify for Social Security disability depending on symptom severity and related complications such as heart conditions, pulmonary hypertension, or cognitive impairment.
If you suspect sleep apnea, a proper sleep study and evaluation are essential. The ENT clinic Enticare is located in Glendale, where our specialists diagnose and treat sleep apnea using personalized care plans. Schedule an appointment to explore treatment options and take the next step toward better sleep and improved health.