Sleep is everything – it affects our mental and physical health, and that's why sleep studies can be useful in figuring out a diagnosis for sleep-related disorders. If you're a veteran preparing to file a claim for VA disability benefits, then you might be familiar with the term "sleep study". But what does it mean, how does it work, and what does it mean for your claim?
Let's dive in. Here's what veterans need to know about sleep studies:
What is a sleep study?
For starters, a sleep study (formally known as a polysomnography) is a test used to identify and diagnose different sleep disorders. Basically, the person undergoing the sleep study has a few things recorded throughout the duration of the night: their brain wave activity, the oxygen level of the blood, heart rate, breathing pattern, plus eye and leg movements.
It's common for sleep studies to be conducted within hospitals or clinics that specialize in sleep disorders – but sometimes they can also be done at home with portable equipment. It's noninvasive and painless; the only thing that could happen is a small chance of mild skin irritation from the test sensor adhesives if you have sensitive skin.
What kind of measures are used during a sleep study?
The following measures are used to collect data around the areas we mentioned above:
Electroencephalogram (EEG): Electrodes placed on the scalp record brain activity.
Electrooculogram (EOG): Electrodes near the eyes track eye movements.
Electromyogram (EMG): Sensors are used to monitor muscle activity.
Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test measures the heart's activity.
As well, sometimes microphones are used to record and assess snoring that might indicate a condition such as sleep apnea. Blood oxygen levels are monitored by a device called a pulse oximeter, that is clipped to either the earlobe or finger.
There are also several terms used when describing sleep study interpretation. These two important pieces are used to determine the severity of sleep apnea:
Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI): This figure refers to the number of apneas or hypopneas (breathing disruptions) recorded during a 1-hour period of a sleep study.
Respiratory Disturbance Index (RDI): Similar to the AHI, the RDI includes apneas, hypopneas, and also other more minor sleep disturbances. It is usually a higher value.
Oxygen Desaturation: This is a percentage that is recorded to express reductions in blood oxygen levels as a result of sleep apnea.
For more important terms regarding sleep study interpretation, check out this list.
Common sleep-related disorders that veterans face
For both mental and physical reasons, many veterans develop sleep disorders as a service-connected or secondary service-connected condition. These sleep disorders can begin during or after service, and often last long-term, especially if untreated. The following are common sleep disorders among veterans:
Nightmares and night terrors (often related to PTSD)
It can be tough to get better sleep as a veteran with a sleep condition or other service-connected condition, but making a couple changes in your daily routine can ease the symptoms – especially when paired with benefits and treatment.
Why sleep studies are important for filing a VA disability benefits claim
It's hard to get your day-to-day life taken care of when you're struggling to sleep at night. Sleep disorders can also worsen other conditions. So, if you think your sleep disorder might be connected to your time in the military – then a sleep study could be important for the following reasons:
It can clearly diagnose a condition. You'll need a diagnosis to file a claim.
Sleep studies can assess the severity. This can help get you a higher rating.
It can prove links to other conditions. For example, the connection between PTSD and sleep apnea is closely linked. This can help you get benefits that cover all of your conditions and symptoms.
Do you need medical documentation to prove a service-connected condition?
A strong VA disability benefits claim starts with proper documentation. Nexus Letters, DBQs, chart reviews, and more – we help veterans get what they need to be prepared. Get started today by signing up for a chart review or view our other services here. Working with us can save you time and money, getting better results without all of the hassle.
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