Around 22 million Americans suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. That’s one in 12 people! Are you one of them?
Read on for a list of 8 benefits of a CPAP machine that may make you reconsider CPAP therapy.
What is a CPAP Machine?
A CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine is a small unit with a motor and a mask that provides the wearer constant air at a constant pressure. This prevents a wearer’s throat from collapsing.
A CPAP machine treats sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a type of sleeping disorder where a person’s breathing is interrupted while sleeping.
The disruption in oxygen in the body makes for a fitful night of sleep. Here are 8 benefits of a CPAP machine that may surprise you.
1. Feel Alert and Energized
Do you ever wake up in the morning still tired and groggy even though you got a full night’s rest? You might have a vitamin deficiency. Or it could be that sleep apnea doesn’t let you get a restful sleep.
When you use a CPAP machine regularly, you will be amazed at the change in how you feel.
CPAP therapy prevents any breathing problems that interrupt your sleep. Then you’ll wake up ready for whatever your day has in store for you.
You’ll be more productive, have more energy to do a killer workout, and be better able to concentrate at work.
People with sleep apnea often feel fuzzy in their brains and have a hard time concentrating on a specific task at work. This may hit you late in the morning or after lunch.
That’s because sleep apnea, when not treated with CPAP therapy, can damage the brain tissue. An inability to concentrate or even memory loss is the result.
One of the greatest benefits of CPAP therapy is your concentration and improved performance. View here to see the many types of CPAP machines.
2. You’re Less Likely to Get into a Car Accident
That daytime sleepiness you feel from sleep apnea can impact your alertness and decision-making abilities on the road. The disruption in your sleep makes it hard to concentrate when driving.
When you drive tired, it’s similar to driving after a few drinks. In fact, people with sleep apnea are nearly 2.5 times more likely to be the driver in a car crash. Luckily, CPAP therapy reduces your risk of being in an accident.
3. Lower Your Blood Pressure
Sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, often go hand-in-hand with underlying health concerns such as high blood pressure. High blood pressure can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Yet, when individuals with sleep apnea use CPAP therapy, they greatly lower their blood pressure. Sometimes, they can cut back or eliminate blood pressure medicines just from using a CPAP machine regularly.
Anything we can do to keep our heart healthy, we should do. ANd CPAP therapy is a great way to reduce your risk.
4. Let Your Partner Enjoy a Good Night’s Sleep
When you use your CPAP machine nightly, not only will your sleep improve, but your partner will finally get a good night’s sleep too!
Without a CPAP machine, you more than likely snore. Or you momentarily stop breathing and then gasp for air. Plus, when you aren’t breathing right, you tend to move around more to try to get comfortable.
All of these things make for a tiring and unrestful night for your bedmate. When you use your CPAP machine, you will not toss and turn and won’t snore. Your partner will thank you each morning when he or she wakes us rested and refreshed.
5. Improve Your Sex Life
Snoring and interrupting your partner’s sleep is going to contribute to a diminished sex life. No one feels in the mood when they are tired and irritable. Your sleep apnea could be causing your libido to plummet.
Also, you might be surprised to learn that erectile dysfunction is linked to sleep apnea. It affects 12% of men under 60 years old and up to 30% of men above age 60.
But there is hope. CPAP therapy has helped many improve their sexual satisfaction and sexual function.
6. Feel Happier
Lack of sleep has long been tied to depression. That’s why people with sleep apnea have a higher risk of depression.
CPAP therapy lets you get the rest you need. As a result, your mood goes up.
7. Prevent Hearing Loss
You probably would have never guessed that one of the benefits of a CPAP machine is that you protect your hearing. But it’s true.
Studies show that those with sleep apnea have a 90% higher risk of hearing loss. Yes, your snoring can actually cause hearing trauma!
The regular use of a CPAP machine will keep your ears healthy and in good working order for years to come.
8. Save Money
A CPAP machine is a medical expense. But using it can help save you money on other medical bills. With regular CPAP use, you reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke- both of which can be very expensive.
When you treat sleep apnea, your medical expenses can go down.
Final Thoughts on the Benefits of a CPAP Machine
Thanks for reading. Now you know the many benefits of a CPAP machine. Though it may take a few days to get used to sleeping with one on, you will soon wonder why you waited so long!
Next, make sure you know the best tips on how to buy a mattress. That way you will have no impediments to the best sleep each night.
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