Read on to find out how to get access to help and information on provincial medicare funding for CPAP machines, sleep disorder diagnoses and treatments.
Symptoms | Treatments | CPAP machines provincial coverage | Specialists and Clinics
Circadian Rhythms and Sleep Disorders
Circadian rhythm is the name given to your body’s 24-hour internal clock which controls the body’s sleep-wake cycle. Sometimes, individuals have problems with their internal clocks, resulting in unhealthy sleep patterns.
This can cause a lot of distress, as adequate sleep is vital for daily functioning. Luckily, many effective treatment options exist and are offered across Canada.
Symptoms of Circadian Rhythm Disorders:
There are several types of circadian rhythm disorders that affect people differently.
In general, people with this disorder may have difficulty falling asleep or waking up, difficulty staying asleep or a loss of sleep. This can result in depression, stress, and trouble functioning at school, work, or in social activities. 33% of Canadians Have Sleep Problems. Find out the impact on their work here.
Circadian rhythm disorders can be caused by jet lag, frequent changes in work hours or sleep schedule, poor sleep hygiene, blindness, older age, certain drugs, or certain types of brain damage. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and having difficulties functioning with day-day life, it is important to talk to your doctor or healthcare provider.
CPAP machines are generally not 100% covered under provincial medicare. Check here for province-by-province overview of what is covered.
Most diagnostic and therapeutic services are covered by provincial insurance.
Treatment for Sleep Disorders
Treatment options vary based on the type of disorder and the degree to which it affects day-to-day functioning. Most often, patients are asked to make changes to their lifestyles. These can include:
- practicing good sleep habits,
- maintaining regular sleep-wake times,
- avoiding naps,
- regular exercise,
- avoiding certain substances too close to bedtime (caffeine, alcohol, nicotine).
Additionally, patients may use bright light therapy to reset their biological clock to be more in sync with the Earth’s natural light. Sometimes medications such as melatonin are used to help fall asleep and caffeine products are used to help with the waking process.
People diagnosed with sleep apnea are often prescribed a CPAP machine. This system delivers constant and steady air pressure to help the patient breathe while they sleep. CPAP Machines are not cheap however, with therapy equipment and accessories costing anywhere between $1,600 and $2,800.
Provincial Coverage for CPAP Machines:
Fortunately, provincial medicare covers some costs of sleep tests and respective treatments for sleep disorders.
CPAP machines are generally not 100% covered under provincial medicare, however, other forms of private insurance often make up the difference. Depending on the province, other funding may be available to patients. If a patient only needs their CPAP machine re-titrated and it is not clinically necessary, provincial coverage does not apply.
Province-by-Province Breakdown of Provincial Coverage for CPAP Machines
Canadian Doctors Specializing in Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders and Canadian Sleep Disorder Clinics:
MedSleep Canada has locations in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick
The information provided on TheHealthInsider.ca is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. TheHealthInsider.ca advises consulting a medical professional or healthcare provider when seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.