A new study shows that veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) could have a higher risk for developing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
The study of 195 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans 21 to 59 years old who visited a VA outpatient PTSD clinic showed that the likelihood for developing high risk OSA increased with increasing severity of PTSD.
For those suffering from PTSD and OSA, these conditions can affected their everyday life and may never go away. If you or a loved one has been denied the benefits you need, we can help.
Call Vets National Advocates at 877-777-4021 to discuss your claim.
Of the nearly 200 veterans included in the study, 69.2 percent had a high risk for sleep apnea, and that risk increased as the severity of PTSD symptoms increased.
The results showed that for every increase in the severity of PTSD symptoms, there was an associated 40 percent increase in the probability of screening as a high risk for sleep apnea.
According to the authors of the study, younger veterans with PTSD are rarely screened for sleep apnea. However, the results show that this age group should be tested so that they can be appropriately diagnosed and have the opportunity for treatment.
While further long-term studies need to be conducted to identify the underlying relationship between the two conditions, it is clear that the chronic stress of PTSD can cause disturbed sleep, sleep deprivation and sleep fragmentation.
When the sleepless nights and severe side effects of PTSD affect your day-to-day activities, you may require additional support from the government. Vets National Advocates are here to help if your claim for disability benefits has been denied.
Contact our office today for a free consultation. We will walk with you through the appeals process.
Call 877-777-4021 or complete our online contact form.
