New Study Shows That Cpap Machines Do Not Reduce Heart Risks For Sleep Apnea Patients

Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder characterized by briefly blocked throat muscles that cause patients to stop breathing for a few seconds while they sleep. This condition affects around 25 million Americans and is linked to other comorbidities such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes. When left untreated, sleep apnea can worsen and significantly reduce the quality of sleep one gets as well as the condition of the pulmonary system.

For a number of years, the treatment of sleep apnea involves the use of continuous positive airway pressure or CPAP machines that force the airways open by pumping positive air through the nostrils. The machines ensure that muscles around the throat do not involuntary relax and constrict. Sleep quality is improved and general well-being. Many medical professionals found that the biggest challenge regarding the treatment was compliance; patients often take out the mask because they find it uncomfortable.

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However, a new study found that patients with existing cardiovascular condition who also have moderate to severe sleep apnea are still at risk of ill effects associated with their heart conditions. Apparently, the CPAP machine does not prevent heart risks. This negates previously held assumptions that CPAP could control or at least affect conditions associated with the sleeping disorder.

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It must be noted that CPAP is still a highly effective treatment for sleep apnea. Correct usage of the machine reduces daytime sleepiness and patients often report reduced feelings of anxiety and depression. Authors of the study suggest patients seek other treatments for their comorbid conditions and working closely with their internal specialist.

Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon specializes in pulmonary medicine and sleep disorders. Learn more when you follow this Twitter account.

The Truth About Nightcaps: How Alcohol Can Impair a Person’s Sleeping Habits

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After a long, hard day at work, people turn to alcohol supposedly to relax themselves. Some claim that drinking a glass or two before bedtime helps them rest well, but science says otherwise. In fact, consuming alcohol before bedtime can impair sleeping patterns.

According to studies, alcohol does not help a person sleep better. While it can help healthy people fall asleep faster and more deeply for a few moments, it curbs REM or rapid eye movement.

REM happens 90 minutes after a person falls a sleep. It is the stage in the normal sleep cycle when a person dreams, and is believed to restore the body’s functions. When a person’s REM sleep is disrupted, drowsiness could be expected the next day. They also experience poor concentration and have impaired cognitive functions.

Alcohol also suppresses a person’s normal sleep breathing patterns, and precipitates sleep apnea. In some cases, breathing is paused, which can cause more harm.

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Alcohol is often used by people with insomnia as a sleeping aid for its short-term impact. But alcohol drinkers’ bodies suffer, and they are more likely to have memory problems. They also might have other sleeping conditions like sleep talking or walking.

If someone is experiencing difficulty with sleeping, it is best to approach a sleep specialist or a physician first before self-prescribing medicine or turning to alcohol.

Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon is a pulmonary and sleep medicine specialist. Learn more about the latest findings in sleep medicine by visiting this blog.