By
Medical Care Review | Friday,
September 22,
2023
Sleep apnea is a sleep-related breathing disorder that affects 10 percent to 30 percent of Americans.
FREMONT, CA: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep-related respiratory disease that affects an estimated 10 to 30 percent of Americans. People with sleep apnea suffer breathing interruptions during sleep, resulting in snoring, daytime drowsiness, and poor sleep quality.
According to research, those with undiagnosed and untreated sleep apnea are at a higher risk for cardiovascular problems, stroke, and depression.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment can be successful for many individuals with sleep apnea. People utilizing CPAP therapy for obstructive sleep apnea may receive additional advantages, including improvements in OSA-related health conditions.
Heart failure: CPAP enhances the heart's ability to pump blood and may lessen the incidence of heart failure, according to many small-scale studies.
The possible benefits of treating sleep apnea with CPAP therapy are the subject of continuing research.
HEALTHY HEART
Research suggests that CPAP therapy may enhance cardiovascular health in individuals with obstructive sleep apnea; however, additional study is required.
Blood pressure: Studies indicate that CPAP therapy reduces blood pressure, even in patients who did not have high blood pressure before treatment. Maintaining a healthy blood pressure minimizes the risk of stroke and heart disease.
Arrhythmia: Arrhythmias are conditions in which the heart beats excessively slowly, too quickly, or irregularly. An initial study indicates that using CPAP can lower the incidence of overnight arrhythmias.CPAP therapy
may improve cardiac function in people diagnosed with heart failure.
LOWER STROKE RISK
According to some studies, treating obstructive sleep apnea may reduce a person's risk of suffering a stroke. This could be because CPAP therapy reduces hypertension, a risk factor for stroke.
Numerous stroke patients also suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. According to the scant studies, stroke patients with sleep apnea may benefit from CPAP therapy.
Experts concur that additional research is required to comprehend the connection between CPAP therapy and stroke.
LESS DAYTIME SLEEPINESS
Due to the fact that sleep apnea can interrupt sleep or lower the overall amount of time spent sleeping at night, the disorder can produce daytime sleepiness. Daytime sleepiness refers to excessive drowsiness when people are typically aware and awake at times of the day. Some individuals with sleep apnea have excessive daytime sleepiness, with symptoms persisting for at least three months.
The majority of CPAP patients experience a reduction in daytime sleepiness. Seventy-five percent of people who use CPAP therapy for obstructive sleep apnea have a reduction in daytime tiredness, according to some data. The number of hours a person utilizes CPAP and the severity of daytime sleepiness may affect the efficacy of treatment.
CPAP therapy for OSA may also enhance daytime alertness. Initial data suggest that CPAP users may enjoy enhanced performance, memory, and focus.
