Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious concern for nearly 20 million Americans. This dangerous sleep disorder actually causes the sufferer to stop breathing up to 20-30 times per hour, leading to restless nights and drowsy days. Other side effects from obstructive sleep apnea include increased risk of heart disease and strokes, diabetes and memory loss and a lack of concentration. The good news is that a CPAP machine can help eliminate these risks and lead to a good night’s sleep.

Heart Disease and Strokes

Sleep apnea is caused when an airway blockage or constriction occurs, which drops the oxygen levels in the body to dangerous levels. In a severe case, a person can stop breathing nearly 250 times a night! This drop in oxygen levels has an enormous impact on the heart, causes it incredible strain and increase blood pressure. People who suffer from this sleep disorder have a 30% higher instance of dying from a heart attack.

Using a CPAP machine can help eliminate heart strain and reduce the chances of congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, irregular heartbeat and stroke. The CPAP machine works by delivering a constant flow of air, and reducing the oxygen deceleration that puts the pressure on the heart and increases the heart rate, keeping the heart healthy.

Diabetes

Researchers have found that sufferers are two and a half times more likely to develop diabetes than someone who doesn’t have the sleep disorder. The link between the two isn’t exactly understood, but it’s thought that an obstruction triggers the body’s natural fight or flight response, leading to the production of hormones. These increased hormones in the body then set off insulin resistance and glucose intolerance.

It’s unclear whether sleeping while using a CPAP machine can treat existing cases of diabetes or just reduce the risk of developing the disease.

Memory Loss and Lack of Concentration

It’s no big surprise that people who suffer from sleep disorders such as sleep apnea also suffer from a lack of concentration and memory loss. Since sleep apnea can cause sufferers to wake up as much as every 2-3 minutes, they never reach the restful stage of REM sleep. People with sleep disorders report feeling groggy and as if they haven’t sleep at all.

After just a night or two of using a CPAP machine, sufferers report that they feel well-rested and refreshed. They are able to concentrate more on daily activities, feel more alert, report an increase in their quality of live, report a decrease in depression and have a lower risk of being in a car accident than before using the machine.

Using a machine to help keep your airways open will likely have benefits beyond just a good night’s sleep. Using one of these machines can help reduce the risk of developing heart disease and suffering from a stroke, reduce the risk of developing diabetes and improve your concentration and memory functions.