The Surprising Benefits of Treating Sleep Apnea

April 27, 2019February 26, 2020 SB Hospice Staff

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you may be hesitant to try the recommended therapy, which is often CPAP, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. This treatment typically relies on a nose mask or occasionally a full face mask to provide extra pressure to keep your airways open even as you sleep. The idea of sleeping with something attached to your face may at first be concerning, but once you know the amazing benefits of treating sleep apnea, you may wish you had tried treatment sooner.

Benefits of Treating Sleep Apnea

Of course, the primary benefit that you will notice first is that your snoring will decrease. Not only will this help you get a better night’s rest, but also it will help your sleep partner get more restful sleep. You will wake up feeling rested, and you may even find that you can stay awake longer in the evening and that you do not drift off when you sit down to rest.

However, there are many secondary benefits when you are breathing correctly throughout the night. You may find that any headaches you have been experiencing throughout the day go away quickly. Once you are fully oxygenating your brain throughout the night, you will eliminate daytime pain in your head.

If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, you may find that treating sleep apnea helps your blood pressure numbers decrease slightly especially if your case is moderate to severe. This could be enough to get you off your blood pressure medications or to help you decrease your dosages under the supervision of your doctor.

Improve Your Rest & Health

When you are completely awake and well-rested throughout the day, you will certainly experience a higher quality of life. You will feel happier and more vibrant and will be better prepared to interact with your family and friends and to enjoy your work and hobbies.

In fact, research has shown that accidental injuries go down in those treated for sleep apnea because they are better rested and their brains are ready to work quickly. Your chances of having an accident at work or of being involved in a traffic accident will decrease.

If you know that you snore most nights or if your sleep partner has told you that you snore loudly or that you wake up gasping for breath, consider asking your doctor if you might have sleep apnea.