Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a common disorder that causes your breathing to stop or get very shallow and starts again at intervals. This means your breathing can get interrupted while you sleep, causing serious health complications. You should get treatment from your healthcare provider. Learn more about Sleep Apnea.
Risk Factors
- Using alcohol and sedatives
- Having a narrow airway
- Having an airway obstructed by large tonsils or adenoids
- Obesity or excessive weight
Symptoms
- Headaches in the mornin
- Mood changes during the day
- Snoring loudly
- Nightmares
- Trouble falling asleep
- Fatigue during the day, even after getting a full night’s rest
Tests and Diagnosis
Testing for sleep apnea may include collecting your medical history with symptoms, family history, and tests. These tests may include a pulmonary function test, spirometry, allergy, skin, or blood tests.
Managing Sleep Apnea
There are many approaches to treating sleep apnea. These can include a CPAP or other special mouthpiece devices to keep your mouth open so you can breathe. A more invasive option is surgery. Removing your tonsils and adenoids can widen the opening where your mouth, throat and nasal passages connect.
TRICARE Coverage
TRICARE covers medically necessaryTo be medically necessary means it is appropriate, reasonable, and adequate for your condition. services, including those for sleep apnea, for eligible beneficiaries.
Resources
Insomnia Coach - Mobile VA Phone App
Our Disease Management program provides care support to qualifying TRICARE beneficiaries trying to address their sleep apnea. Our experienced staff will guide you into a healthier lifestyle to improve your self-management and overall quality of life. Have questions or want to enroll in the program? Call us toll-free at 800-881-9227.
Last Updated 11/21/2024