Obstructive sleep apnea affects up to 39 million Americans and nearly 1 billion people worldwide, harming sleep, health, and quality of life if untreated. It also raises the risk of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, fatigue, and mental health issues. Fortunately, CPAP therapy is an effective treatment. This guide explores the benefits of CPAP Machines and why they’re a key option for managing sleep apnea.
What are the benefits of CPAP therapy?
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy has several benefits if you suffer from sleep apnea, especially the most common kind, obstructive sleep apnea. The pressurized air helps keep your airway open during the night, allowing you to sleep better and for longer.
With that in mind, let’s explore some benefits of treating sleep apnea with a CPAP machine below and the differences you could expect before and after sleep apnea treatment.
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Improved sleep quality. The single most significant benefit of CPAP therapy is an improvement in sleep quality. Without being woken and disturbed so often, you can sleep better and longer, which is essential for overall good health and well-being.
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Increased focus & alertness. Chronic fatigue is a common effect of sleep apnea, and as a result of better sleep, you’ll be much more alert, energetic, and focused during the day. Poor sleep can also negatively impact cognitive function and memory, so you may find that your CPAP machine increases your productivity, too.
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Better mood and mental health. Getting a full night’s sleep can significantly impact your mood the next day, making you feel brighter and happier.
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Fewer headaches. Some people report that one of the best benefits of CPAP therapy is the reduced headaches they experience due to broken sleep.
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Improved general health. Sleep apnea can lead to a range of secondary health issues such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart or kidney disease, strokes, Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and more. By starting treatment for sleep apnea, you may reduce your likelihood of developing these conditions.
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Less Snoring. Snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, and CPAP therapy can significantly reduce or eliminate snoring. While not waking up with a dry mouth and a headache is one thing, your partner will appreciate it, too!
Who can benefit from sleep apnea treatment with CPAP?
CPAP machines are most beneficial to those suffering from moderate to severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). This is where the airway collapses during sleep, unlike central sleep apnea (CSA), which occurs when the brain fails to send the right signals to the muscles to start breathing. Complex Sleep Apnea (CSA) also exists and is a rarer condition that contains elements of both. CPAP, BiPAP, or APAP machines can be used to treat all three variants, but are best suited for obstructive sleep apnea as they help force the airway open during sleep.
However, CPAP machines can also be used for people with daytime drowsiness or fatigue. With better quality and duration of sleep, you should wake up with more energy for the day. Finally, heavy snorers (and their partners) can benefit from using a CPAP machine, regardless of whether they’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea.
Shop Rotech offers a wide range of CPAP machines, masks, wipes, and other accessories to help you sleep better and manage your sleep apnea. Explore ShopRotech for all your CPAP needs, and don’t hesitate to contact us if you need any further information.