In the medical field, continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) therapy is a standard treatment for sleep apnea. It involves the use of a machine to deliver constant and steady air pressure with a nosepiece or face mask.
CPAP therapy provides relief from sleep-related conditions like snoring, sleep apnea, and even insomnia. Here are some more detailed ways CPAP therapy can improve your health.
1. Lowers Risk of Critical Illnesses
Studies show that sleep apnea is a significant risk factor for various illnesses and disorders. Hence, treating this medical condition through CPAP also reduces the chance of developing critical ailments in the long run. These chronic illnesses include heart disease, diabetes and hypertension.
2. Makes You Feel More Energized
Most people suffering from obstructive sleep apnea cannot rest due to breathing problems that interrupt their sleep. CPAP alleviates symptoms of this illness by using the air pressure generated by the machine to keep the airway open, allowing you to breath freely throughout the night and avoid interruptions to your sleep. As a result, patients no longer have to agonize over sleepless nights, feeling refreshed and energized every single day.
3. Delays Onset of Cognitive Decline
Research shows that sleep-disordered breathing has a strong correlation to cognitive impairment and dementia. This was first discovered in a medical study back in 2011. After that, reports on the advantages of CPAP treatment for sleep apnea as a means to offset mild cognitive decline became widespread, especially after a statistical study on its effects on patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
4. Contributes to Weight Loss
Studies suggest that lack of sleep often results in tiredness and cravings. Thus, individuals who suffer from sleep-related issues usually gain weight, as they feel too tired to exercise and crave high calorie and nutrient poor food. Furthermore, sleep apnea also lowers the production of leptin—a hormone responsible for signaling your body to feel full. Therefore, many patients unconsciously reach out for snacks even after they’ve finished an entire meal. CPAP therapy offers relief from such symptoms and can also contribute to controlling your appetite and boosting your energy.
5. Mitigates Risk of Traffic Incidents
According to statistics, people who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea are 2.5 per cent more likely to come in contact with traffic incidents. This is due to prescribed sleeping pills and daytime fatigue that put patients in danger of drowsy driving. Fortunately, in a separate study, participants who used CPAP to treat sleep apnea showed positive results with decreased chances of getting in traffic incidents up to 70 per cent.
Conclusion
We know that humans cannot survive without sleep and even a seemingly minor reduction in sleep can often result in adverse effects on an individual’s health. The benefits of CPAP therapy can be attributed to its effectiveness as a form of treatment for many sleep disordered breathing and sleep apnea. CPAP therapy is one of only two therapies approved by the Canadian Thoracic Society for the treatment of Sleep Apnea.
Need professional medical help with insomnia or sleep apnea? Sleep Better Live Better is a sleep clinic with locations in North Vancouver, Surrey and Victoria dedicated to providing patients and clients with healthy sleep solutions to manage and treat their condition. If you’re having trouble getting plenty of rest at night, reach out to us today for a consultation!
