If you’ve heard of sleep apnoea, you’ll know it is more than just snoring. It’s a serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during the night, often without you knowing. These pauses can last for several seconds to more than a minute, interrupting your sleep and having a big impact on your overall health. Without the right treatment, sleep apnoea can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and even heart attacks.
In Ireland, it’s estimated that up to 4% of the population has a sleep disorder, including sleep apnoea. That’s why early detection and treatment are so important, and why health insurance does more than cover just emergencies. It plays an important role in managing conditions like sleep apnoea before they lead to more severe problems.
Introducing the New Sleep Apnoea Screening Programme
Irish Life Health members concerned about sleep apnoea can now access a new benefit that makes it easier to screen for sleep apnoea at home.
The programme uses a device called the WatchPAT®, which tracks your sleep patterns while you sleep.
Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Join the Programme
If you think you might have sleep apnoea, talk to your GP about getting a referral to the Sleep Apnoea Screening Programme. You’ll need to be over 18, have an Irish Life Health hospital plan, and be waiting for a diagnostic sleep study.
Step 2: Do Your Home Sleep Study
- Once you’re signed up, the Care-Connect team will help you get started. They’ll send you the WatchPAT® device, which is simple to use and worn overnight. The device includes:
- A wristwatch-like monitor for your wrist
- A probe for your finger that tracks blood oxygen levels
- A small sensor for your chest to monitor heart rate and breathing Wear the device for one night, and it will record important data about your breathing, oxygen levels, and heart rate.
Step 3: Get Your Results
After your sleep study, the Care-Connect team will analyse the data from your WatchPAT® and explore your sleep patterns to check for signs of sleep apnoea. Both you and your GP will receive the results, and if you need treatment, your GP will work with you to decide on the best approach.
Benefits of the program
- Comfort and Ease: No need for a hospital visit—you can complete the sleep study from the comfort of home.
- Quick Turnaround: No lengthy delays to get you seen sooner.
- Coordinated Care: Your GP is involved in the process for a seamless transition from diagnosis to treatment.
Why Health Insurance is Vital for Your Overall Well-being
By addressing health issues like sleep apnoea now, you can improve your quality of life and avoid long-term risks.
The Health Insurance Shop can help you understand your health insurance options and ensure you’re taking advantage of all the benefits available. If you’re worried about sleep apnoea or any other health issue, we can help find the right plan to suit your needs.
For more details about the Sleep Apnoea Screening Programme or any other health insurance benefits, get in touch with our health insurance specialist today.
Key Takeaways:
– Sleep apnoea is a serious condition with potential long-term health risks.
– The Sleep Apnoea Screening Programme lets you complete a sleep study from home.
– Health insurance covers more than just emergencies; it also helps manage ongoing conditions.
– Hennelly Finance is here to help you access these benefits and keep your health on track.