Sleep apnea isn’t officially recognized as a disability, but it can be considered one in certain situations. Its classification depends on several factors, including its severity and the kind of impact it has on your daily life–particularly, your ability to work.
In this article, we’ll explore symptoms of sleep apnea, how it can impact your ability to function, and recommend the best sleep apnea solution book.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
You could be suffering from sleep apnea if you often wake up in the middle of your sleep feeling like someone is trying to suffocate you. This sleep disorder causes you to snore and gasp for air repeatedly, preventing you from getting quality sleep.
Continuous lack of sufficient sleep leads to other serious problems like insomnia, daytime sleepiness, and prolonged exhaustion. Your productivity at work will suffer greatly if you’re always dozing off while you’re on the clock.
If you have this condition, you most likely want to know how it will impact your life and how you can overcome it. What does sleep apnea sound like? What is the latest treatment for sleep apnea? Is sleep apnea a disability?
If your work requires your full concentration, constant sleepiness and exhaustion will make it difficult for you to do your job. In this case, you may want to know if you qualify for disability benefits.
How to Determine If Sleep Apnea Is a Disability
There are several ways to determine if your sleep apnea can classify as a disability, including:
Medical Diagnosis
See a licensed medical doctor for a proper diagnosis. Your doctor will carry out several sleep studies and overnight evaluations of your breathing patterns and other physical behaviors of your body during sleep.
These tests are normally completed at sleep centers or medical facilities that offer sleep apnea testing. You can also find books on effective ways to diagnose and overcome sleep apnea.
Choose a book that offers practical ideas on how to cure sleep apnea naturally at home without a CPAP machine and how to boost natural and easy breathing at night. Optimal Circadian Health offers an ebook complete with audio-guided breathing exercises.
Severity of the Condition
The severity of your condition and its impact on your daily life, cognitive function, and ability to work are important factors. Severe sleep apnea that significantly disrupts your normal life and daily activities may be considered a disability.
In this case, you may qualify for disability benefits. However, your condition must fall under the official definition of disability by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Your medical records must indicate that the condition will last for at least a year or likely cause death.
Records
You need a comprehensive medical record, including test and evaluation results, medical history, and reports from your doctor showing that you suffer from severe sleep apnea.
This record is essential when you want to file for a disability claim. The SSA will use these documents to determine your eligibility.
Legal Definitions
It’s good to be aware of what the law says about sleep apnea and disability claims. For instance, the SSA provides specific procedures and guidelines for what can be considered a disability.
Your sleep apnea disorder may qualify if it meets these conditions and severely prevents you from performing your daily activities effectively.
Workplace Accommodations
Even if your sleep apnea isn’t legally recognized as a disability, the law may require your employer to provide you with a conducive working environment. For instance, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires employers to make their workplaces favorable for employees with sleep apnea, especially if it significantly affects their job performance.
In Summary
Every case of sleep apnea is unique, and the determination of whether your diagnosis qualifies as a disability depends on the circumstances and applicable laws in your region. For more ideas on how to overcome sleep apnea naturally, check out Optimal Circadian Health’s resources today!
