Many individuals suffering from sleep apnea experience relief from symptoms with the use of CPAP, which stands for "continuous positive airway pressure." The steady flow of air from a CPAP machine keeps the user's airways open, helping restore normal breathing and oxygen levels. This helps the user get a night of uninterrupted sleep and reduces many problems associated sleep apnea. While there is no cure for sleep apnea, doctors commonly prescribe CPAP as the first treatment.
Normalized Sleep Patterns
Individuals with sleep apnea repeatedly stop breathing for 10- to 30-second periods while they sleep. According to Family Doctor, these episodes can occur as many as 400 times each night. If you have sleep apnea, the repeated cessation of breathing disrupts your sleep pattern. A CPAP machine can help normalize breathing throughout the night and reduce the number of sleep interruptions.
Alertness
Individuals with sleep apnea commonly report excessive daytime fatigue because of insufficient sleep. You are even more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle accident if you suffer from sleep apnea, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. With regular use of a CPAP machine, you will sleep more soundly and subsequently be more rested and alert during the day.
Improved Concentration and Mood
Constant daily fatigue can cause poor concentration, along with increased anxiety and depression. As CPAP improves the quality of your sleep, it will become easier to concentrate. The treatment can also improve mood and reduce anxiety and depression, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Reduced Health Risks
The repeated cessation of breathing that characterizes sleep apnea can increase heart strain and cardiovascular risks. If you have sleep apnea, you may be at a greater risk of high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, arrhythmia or stroke. Regular use of a CPAP machine can reduce the strain on your heart and lower your risk of developing cardiovascular problems. People with type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea can improve their insulin sensitivity by using CPAP.
Reduced Snoring
If you have sleep apnea, you might snore loudly enough to disturb your partner's sleep. As CPAP keeps your airways open, it reduces snoring, which could allow your partner to sleep more soundly.
Lower Health Care Costs
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine reports that people with sleep apnea are likely to have greater annual health costs than those without it. With regular use of a CPAP machine, you may experience improved overall health and reduce your need to visit the doctor.
References
- Family Doctor: CPAP Devices for Sleep Apnea
- American Academy of Sleep Medicine: Sleep Education--Benefits of CPAP
- National Institutes of Health: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia--Nasal CPAP
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Obstructive Sleep Apnea--Treatment
- American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
