The Science Daily recently released a study linking PTSD to a higher risk of obstructive sleep apnea in veterans. According to the Mayo Clinic, sleep apnea is “a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts” due to the relaxation of the throat muscles.
In the report, 195 young veterans of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq were studied, demonstrating an increase in occurrences of sleep apnea according to the severity of PTSD.
Researchers hope that veterans who are being treated for PTSD will be tested early for obstructive sleep apnea to prevent the condition’s potentially damaging effects. Individuals who suffer from sleep apnea are at risk for high blood pressure and heart problems, daytime fatigue, complications during surgery and other physical problems.
This doesn’t even include exasperation of PTSD, depression and other psychological conditions that could result due to obstructive sleep apnea.
At Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law, we are grateful for studies like this that contribute to the conversation about life for veterans and ways to make things as easy as possible for them. If you’re a veteran suffering from PTSD, we urge you to get tested for obstructive sleep apnea.
To find out how we can fight for the Veterans’ Disability Benefits you deserve,contact us today.
