Is There a Connection Between 9/11 and Sleep Apnea?

9-11 related Sleep apnea is one of a wide range of health conditions that have emerged among those impacted by 9/11 since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Along with various types of 9/11 cancers, lung disease, and other aerodigestive disorders, sleep apnea has been increasingly reported amongst first responders, residents, downtown workers, students, and others who were present in downtown Manhattan in the aftermath of 9/11. But is there a connection between their sleep apnea and exposure to 9/11 toxins? The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) recognizes sleep apnea as a WTC-related health condition when it is associated with another 9/11 condition such as COPD, asthma, or other 9/11 aerodigestive disorder. Find out more about sleep apnea and 9/11, as well as the support available through the WTCHP and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). 

Sleep Apnea Symptoms

When we sleep, the muscles in our upper airways relax. For people with sleep apnea, the relaxed airway becomes too narrow and may begin to obstruct the air they breathe from effectively reaching their lungs. The flow of air may be reduced (hypopnea) or completely blocked (apnea). This can last 10 to 20 seconds, and in those who have severe sleep apnea, it can become blocked dozens of times each night. This often results in loud snoring, gasping for air, long pauses in breathing during sleep, daytime fatigue, morning headaches, and irritability. Other symptoms of sleep apnea include waking up with a dry mouth, insomnia, and restless sleep. These disruptions can lead to other health complications, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and impaired cognitive function. 

9/11 and Sleep Apnea

The toxic cloud of gas, dust, and debris created by the collapse of the World Trade Center (WTC) exposed thousands of individuals to toxins and psychological stress, factors that may be linked to sleep disorders such as sleep apnea. The dust from the site contained a mix of toxic substances that could potentially affect respiratory and digestive health. While a direct link between 9/11 and sleep apnea has not been established, the prevalence of sleep apnea has increased among those who were present in and around Lower Manhattan, the Pentagon, and the attack site in Shanksville, PA. Studies, such as this one from Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, show that those who were present at Ground Zero following the attacks are at increased risk of developing sleep apnea.

Do the WTCHP and VCF Cover Sleep Apnea?

The WTCHP and the 9/11 VCF provide support and compensation to individuals affected by 9/11-related health conditions. Sleep apnea may be covered under these programs when it is medically linked to other 9/11-related airway or digestive disorders such as GERD, asthma, chronic laryngitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and others. 

The WTCHP and VCF cover both obstructive sleep apnea and complex sleep apnea, but not central sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form, and occurs when the flow of air through the upper airway is blocked. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to send appropriate signals to the muscles involved in breathing, and most people with this type of sleep apnea do not experience symptoms of snoring. Complex sleep apnea occurs when an individual has both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. 

Eligibility for the WTCHP and the VCF requires a certified diagnosis of a 9/11-related condition and evidence of presence in the 9/11 Exposure Zones. Applicants to these programs must also register and file claims by applicable deadlines. This process can be complex and necessitates thorough documentation and strict attention to detail. In addition to the general requirements, the VCF has new rules for receiving an award for noneconomic losses related to sleep apnea that require evidence of at least six months of continuous C-PAP usage, as well as a letter from the treating physician which details how the condition impacts the patient’s daily life and the severity of the condition.

Learn More from a 9/11 Attorney

Understanding the nuances of eligibility for non-life-threatening conditions like sleep apnea under the WTCHP and VCF can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. Consulting with a 9/11 attorney can provide clarity and guidance. At Hansen & Rosasco, LLP, our team of dedicated legal professionals have been working for over twenty years navigating the intricacies of 9/11 health claims. We know how much sleep apnea can disrupt your life, and we are dedicated to getting you the benefits you deserve. We can offer support from preparing the initial applications and claims to gathering proof of presence in the area and providing evidence of the severity of pain and suffering. If you or a loved one is experiencing sleep apnea and were present during or after the 9/11 attacks, reaching out to a knowledgeable attorney can be a crucial step in getting the medical support and financial compensation you are entitled to. Contact us today for a free consultation.