Sleep Apnea Treatment Provides More Than a Good Night's Sleep

(ARA) -An estimated 20 million Americans have sleep apnea -- characterized by pauses in breathing while sleeping -- and know the fatigue and daytime sleepiness that go with it. But fortunately, there are therapies that can help and some patients may receive the needed supplies for little or no cost.

The most effective treatments for sleep apnea are the use of CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) or BiPAP (Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure) machines.

CPAP machines reduce the suspension of breathing and snoring of sleep apnea sufferers by blowing a stream of compressed air into the airway through a facemask. Using a CPAP machine, many patients feel a significant improvement in their quality of sleep after just one night's use.

Emerging research has determined that regular and proper use of a CPAP can do more than get the patient a good night's sleep.

CPAP therapy can relieve depression symptoms
A study published in an October 2007 issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine reported that many patients suffering from both depression and obstructive sleep apnea found continued use of their CPAP machines significantly contributed to relieving their depression symptoms.

CPAP therapy benefits the heart
Although sleep apnea contributes to heart disease, the Journal of the American College of Cardiology reports that sleep apnea patients who regularly used their CPAP machines saw their heart conditions and overall symptoms improve, most in as little as six months.

CPAP therapy can help with diabetes
According to a study presented at the American Thoracic Society 2007 International Conference, treating sleep apnea reduces the risk of diabetes and hypertension and improves insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes.