Sleep apnea is linked to severe health risks and can even lead to death. CPAP therapy1 can increase survival by lowering the risk of developing or worsening health complications associated with obstructive sleep apnea2 like strokes, heart attacks and other cardiovascular events, and Type 2 diabetes. Regular use can effectively lower the chance of dying by 37%3, with a 55% decrease in heart-related deaths. Those who use their CPAP consistently, and for longer durations each night, see the most benefits, but even 1 to 2 hours per night can show improvements.
How Does Sleep Apnea Contribute to Disease?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by a narrowed or blocked airway that causes a person to breathe shallowly or experience a pause in breathing multiple times throughout the night. This causes low blood oxygen levels and disruptions in the body's natural processes, making a person more susceptible to some diseases and conditions4. Sleep apnea puts stress on the heart5, restricts blood flow to the brain and increases insulin resistance6. Frequently interrupted sleep from disorders like sleep apnea can also cause depression and daytime fatigue by preventing the body from getting the rest and recovery it needs at night.
Results From CPAP Therapy
CPAP machines use a mask to deliver a stream of air that keeps the airway open and prevents the blood oxygen drops and stress on the body created by the apneas, or pauses in breathing. This therapy can normalize risk levels7 for many adverse effects. Benefits include:
- Increased oxygen levels
- Lowered blood pressure
- Improved blood pumping function
- Reduced arterial stiffness
- Better sleep quality and duration
- Lower risk of heart disease
Most CPAP users also report improved mood, less body pain and increased energy levels. Patients must use their machine a minimum of 6 hours per night to maximize health benefits according to CPAP adherence8 guidelines. Continued use further decreases mortality risk over time. Studies show that people who used a CPAP for more than 5 years had survival odds 5.6 times higher9 than those who didn't use the CPAP.
Treat Sleep Apnea to Experience Improve Health Outcomes
More than one billion people10 across the globe have sleep apnea, yet 80% of these cases remain undiagnosed. Patients cannot begin life-saving CPAP therapy without first getting a proper diagnosis and treatment plan11 from a qualified medical practitioner. A medical evaluation includes a discussion of symptoms, sleep history and tests like a sleep study. Once a patient receives a diagnosis of sleep apnea, they begin an individualized treatment plan which may include a CPAP, lifestyle changes like losing weight and getting more exercise or surgery to fix structural problems.
References
- American Association of Sleep Technologists – Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy for Sleep Apnea
- Cleveland Clinic – Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- Sleep Review – CPAP Linked to Living Longer, Meta-Analysis Finds
- Hackensack Meridian Health – Reasons Why Sleep Apnea Can Be Serious If Left Untreated
- Sleep Foundation – Sleep Apnea and Heart Disease
- National Library of Medicine – Sleep Apnea and Diabetes: Insights into Emerging Evidence
- American Academy of Sleep Medicine – Can CPAP save your life?
- National Library of Medicine – Adherence to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy
- National Library of Medicine – Mortality and morbidity in obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome: results from a 30-year prospective cohort study
- Resmed – New Global Study Finds: Sleep Apnea Patients Who Use CPAP Live Longer
- Mayo Clinic – Sleep Apnea
