A cessation of breathing for at least 10 seconds during sleep. There are two basic types of sleep apnea, central and obstructive.
Central sleep apnea is caused by the brain failing to trigger the muscles of respiration. This is a rare condition and generally uninsurable.
Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by blockage of the airway and is more common. Sleep apnea is diagnosed by a sleep study and classified according to the Apnea Index (Al) or Respiratory Distress Index (RDI). Untreated, it can lead to hypertension, stroke and heart attacks. Daytime sleepiness may result in motor vehicle accidents.
Ratings may range from Standard to substandard (Tables B to D) or even a decline, depending on the severity of the disorder and the success of treatment.
Life Insurance Solutions, in summary when underwriting a sleep apnea disease history, suggests for those persons looking for life insurance for sleerp apnea, the following factors are very important in assessing the risk:
- Date of diagnosis?
- Sleep study performed?
- What is most recent Al or RDI?
- Type of treatment:
- Weight loss?
- UPPP (Uvulopalatopharyonoplasty)?
- CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine?
- Used every night?
- Date of first use?
|
