5 Surprising Benefits of CPAP
Sleep apnea is a serious condition and a common health issue. In fact, it is so common that an estimated 18 million Americans have been diagnosed with this disease. A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine and CPAP machine supplies are normally prescribed to help those with sleep apnea. A CPAP machine will not only help one sleep better, it has other surprising benefits that you may not know about as well.
Your Partner Will be Happier
A person sharing a bed with a significant other who has sleep apnea will awake numerous times during the night due to the snoring caused by the apnea. It can get bad enough where the partners sleep in different bedrooms. A proper full face CPAP mask used properly can cut down on snoring allowing for a better nights sleep for all parties involved.
Improved Sex Drive
Sleep apnea is more common in men than it is in women. A study from Maryland showed men had increased impotence when diagnosed with sleep apnea. After regularly using their CPAP machines, the men noted an overall improvement with their sexual drive and function.
Decreased Risk of Stroke
If left untreated, the risk of stroke is increased by four times compared to those who do not have sleep apnea. A CPAP machine that is used every night can lower the risk for stroke and improve the overall health of the body.
Decreased Heart Disease
Sleep apnea coincides with heart disease because the apnea causes the sufferer to stop breathing during the night. This changes the blood oxygen levels which can lead to congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, and an irregular heartbeat.
Keeps Medical Expenses in Check
The cost of a CPAP machine and the CPAP machine supplies is much lower compared to the medical expenses one would incur if the machine was not used. If the CPAP machine was not used on a regular basis, more visits to the doctor would be needed and treatments for serious medical conditions would bring in large medical bills.