CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy is a life-changing treatment for people struggling with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Although at the beginning, this therapy can feel like a significant challenge, what happens afterward may surprise you. Your body may go through several physical and mental changes. Let’s read the blog and explore the positive transformations you may experience with this treatment.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea Before CPAP Therapy
Before CPAP treatment, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition where breathing repeatedly pauses or slows during sleep, can affect sleep and overall health. If left untreated, it can lead to the following symptoms:
Symptoms during sleep: | Symptoms during the day: |
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When CPAP therapy is given, it helps prevent all these issues by triggering positive changes in your body.
Top 10 Body Changes After CPAP Therapy
What to expect after starting CPAP? These are the effects on the body post-CPAP therapy:
1. Improved Sleep Quality
- By clearing the airway, CPAP treatment ensures optimal oxygen levels, which prevents breathing challenges.
- This allows more uninterrupted and restful sleep cycles, lowering the number of sleep apnea events.
2. Increased Energy Levels
- A study reveals that CPAP therapy can help reduce local and systemic inflammation, which is associated with increased fatigue or weakness.
- Maintaining a clear airway and oxygen levels can prevent the release of stress hormones, which contribute to fatigue.
3. Better Cardiovascular Health
- You may notice your blood pressure dropping within a few weeks of regular use, which is a common issue in OSA patients where blood pressure fluctuates due to sympathetic nervous system activation and intermittent hypoxia (low oxygen levels).
- Also, it helps reduce the heart rate during sleep and at rest by maintaining oxygen levels. It is beneficial as an increased heart rate leads to cardiovascular issues.
4. Lower Blood Pressure
- As OSA leads to low oxygen levels and frequent awakening, it can cause strain on the blood vessels and heart, contributing to high blood pressure.
- CPAP therapy here can manage these issues by keeping an open airway and ensuring improved blood oxygen levels.
5. Weight Changes
- A study reports that OSA treatment using CPAP therapy can significantly increase weight.
- This happens due to a lower metabolic rate, which leads to the burning of fewer calories. Also, high blood sugar levels can be the reason due to more insulin resistance & changes in appetite-regulating hormones.
6. Improved Mental Health
- By improving sleep quality, CPAP therapy leads to more restful sleep, which regulates cortisol levels and reduces anxiety and stress (common risk factors in OSA).
- Additionally, the therapy enhances oxygen flow and brain function, which helps improve memory and concentration, reduce anxiety symptoms, and stabilize mood.
7. Fewer Headaches
- CPAP therapy manages low oxygen levels and high carbon dioxide levels in the blood, which are the factors that cause dilation of blood vessels, responsible for causing morning headaches.
- Also, this treatment uses a mask that constantly supplies air pressure that helps open the upper airways during sleep, delivering enough oxygen and air to the brain and preventing headaches.
8. Improved Diabetes Symptoms
- CPAP therapy can improve insulin sensitivity in diabetic people, which enables them to better use insulin to lower their blood sugar levels.
9. Improved Sexual Health in Men
- CPAP therapy improves oxygen levels which enhances blood to all parts of the body, including the penis, reducing the risk of erectile dysfunction.
- Also, it manages systemic health issues linked to OSA, like diabetes, high blood pressure, and coronary artery disease, which are the risk factors for erectile dysfunction.
10. Safer, Healthier Pregnancy
- By keeping the airways open, CPAP therapy ensures the supply of adequate amounts of oxygen, which helps with the healthy development of a growing baby.
- Also, by improving oxygen supply and sleep quality, it can lower the risk of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and preeclampsia, which highly occur during pregnancy if sleep apnea is left untreated.
Why Do These Body Changes After CPAP Therapy Happen?
Here are the reasons why some people experience body changes with CPAP therapy:
- Deeper Sleep = Better Healing: Uninterrupted sleep helps the body to restore and repair more efficiently.
- Balanced Hormones: Proper rest controls hormones such as cortisol, testosterone, and insulin.
- Stable Oxygen Levels: Constant airflow while sleeping boosts oxygen supply, supporting the function of all organs.
- Lower Heart Strain: Reduced strain on the heart can contribute to improvements in blood circulation and blood pressure levels.
- More Daytime Energy: Better sleep quality leads to more energy, which helps with increased physical activities.
- Mental Health Boost: Reduced brain fog and improved mood can improve motivation, eating habits, and physical well-being.
- Regulated Metabolism: Improved metabolism aids in maintaining blood weight and improving energy levels.
How Long Does It Take to Feel Better with CPAP?
It will take time to feel the positive effects of CPAP therapy, which varies from one person to another. It takes around 1 month to adapt to using CPAP machines and feel their effects. Some people experience improvements in their sleep quality and overall health after one night of use, while others might take a couple of weeks to experience the full benefits.
Possible Downsides of CPAP Therapy
Some side effects may appear during early use or if the machine isn’t set up properly:
- Congestion
- Runny nose
- Dry mouth
- Dry Eyes
- Nosebleeds
- Headaches
- Claustrophobia (an extreme fear of restricted places)
- Aerophagia (an excessive swallowing of air)
These issues typically occur because of cold, dry air, which can be prevented with the use of a heated humidifier. Also, use the right mask and padding size to reduce headaches, dry eyes, and claustrophobia.
Long-term Health Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea
Without the appropriate treatment, like CPAP therapy, untreated sleep apnea can cause severe long-term health issues. These include:
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Cardiovascular Conditions
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- Cancer
- Obesity
- Rapid aging
If you suspect sleep apnea, consult a sleep specialist and don’t delay treatment.
Alternatives to CPAP Therapy
If CPAP therapy does not work for you, choose the alternative options. Depending on the situation, your doctor may advise any of these options to address sleep apnea.
- Oral Appliance Therapy: Involves the use of custom-made devices that help open your airways by repositioning your lower jaw forward. This keeps the soft tissues and tongue from collapsing in the airways.
- Positional Therapy: Uses devices or techniques to alleviate or discourage sleeping on your back, as this position can worsen airway collapse and snoring.
- Weight management: As obesity is one of the significant causes of sleep apnea, maintaining a healthy weight through balanced eating and regular activity can help manage this condition.
- Surgery: Surgical procedures like soft tissue removal, an implantable nerve stimulator, or jaw repositioning can prevent blockage of airways and ease breathing.
Myths vs Facts: CPAP Therapy
Here are some myths and facts about CPAP therapy:
Myth | Fact |
CPAP therapy is a cure. | No, it’s not a cure but only addresses the symptoms of sleep apnea. |
You can discontinue CPAP therapy use after symptoms improve. | No. Always consult a doctor before discontinuing CPAP treatment, even if you notice improvements in symptoms. |
The CPAP machine causes infections. | Though CPAP therapy causes stuffy or dry nose, it’s not the sinus infection which is caused by viruses and bacteria. |
CPAP therapy is the only treatment for sleep apnea. | Though it’s a gold standard treatment, other options such as oral appliances and surgery can be helpful. |
The CPAP machine is uncomfortable and restrictive. | For some people, the mask feels uncomfortable, embarrassing, and claustrophobic. However, there are many types of masks that can be adjustable to improve comfort. |
CPAP Therapy: Real People, Real Stories
There are the experiences of people who have used CPAP therapy:
- “CPAP literally changed my life. I used to fall asleep at work, but now I feel like myself again.” – Michael
- “I initially struggled with air pressure and the mask of the CPAP machine, and also felt embarrassed using it. But, after its effective use, I realized the importance of this therapy” – Jonathan Trapse
- “Snoring disturbed my marriage. CPAP gave me peace and better sleep—and helped my relationship” – Alan Pavon
- “I finally wake up feeling rested. No more brain fog or daytime yawning.” –Grace Ayala:
Final Thoughts
The body changes after CPAP therapy can be a game-changer for you. From improving sleep and energy levels to lowering blood pressure levels and risks of heart issues, it can bring significant changes. But, make sure to just be consistent with this therapy as it comes with positive effects in a few weeks or months. If you feel uncomfortable and have any concerns while using CPAP, consult your doctor. The providers can help make adjustments to pressure or mask settings to improve the comfort and outcomes.
FAQs
Why am I still tired after using CPAP?
It can be due to mask fit issues, incorrect pressure settings, and other underlying sleep-related issues that need re-evaluation by doctors.
Does CPAP make your face puffy?
Yes—if the mask is too tight or leaking air, it can cause fluid buildup. Try adjusting the fit or switching mask types.
What happens if you use a CPAP and don’t need it?
It can interrupt your breathing and raise the risk of central sleep apnea. So, always have a proper diagnosis before using CPAP machines.
Does CPAP make you look younger?
Yes, it can make you look younger by reducing sleep deprivation issues, which cause dark circles, puffy eyes, and wrinkles.
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