Has Treating Sleep Apnea Improved Your Life?

Sleep apnea can profoundly impact your life. Pauses in breathing throughout the sleep cycle take a toll. You may constantly feel tired, irritable, and unproductive. Sleep apnea affects around 25 percent of men and 10 percent of women. Treating sleep apnea can dramatically improve how you feel.^1-3

We recently asked our Facebook community, "What has been the biggest improvement in your life since treating your sleep apnea?” You shared some valuable insights!

Feeling rested

Sleep quality is 1 significant improvement for many of you. Treating sleep apnea reduces the number of episodes you have each night. You wake feeling rested and restored. You have more energy. Your productivity improves.

“Sleep that leaves me feeling rested.”“I no longer wake up 20 times a night, and when I get up in the morning, I no longer spend my day feeling like a dishrag.”“Being able to get a full night’s sleep flat on my back! So comfy!”“Not waking up sleepy. I feel refreshed, and my numbers are so much better.”

Staying awake

Lack of restorative rest results in excessive daytime sleepiness. You fall asleep easily in many situations.

Falling asleep while driving is a significant risk with sleep apnea. Driving and being in an accident are real concerns. Treating sleep apnea alleviates those fears. You feel more confident behind the wheel. You require fewer naps and stay awake during the day without trouble.^1-3“I don’t worry I’ll fall asleep while driving anymore."“I stay awake all day, and very important, I stay awake driving.”“I don’t fall asleep in meetings, talking to people, or driving!”

Physical health

You shared how your physical health improved after treating your sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can cause many additional physical symptoms that impact your life. These include:^1,3

• Night sweats
• Waking with a headache or dry mouth
• High blood pressure
• Restless sleep
• Daytime sleepiness

“Resting better, no headaches, not waking up in a puddle of sweat, lower blood pressure.”“My throat is less sore in the morning. And my right leg pain at night has gone away.”“I feel more rested and not stuffed up all the time. I don’t have to take sinus sprays anymore.”“Lower blood pressure, reduced napping during afternoons.”

No change

Several of you did not experience positive change with treatment. Your apnea episodes decreased but symptoms did not improve. You reported ongoing headaches and migraine, sleepiness, and high blood pressure.

Despite the lack of improvement, you treat apnea to reduce health risks. Untreated apnea can lead to:^1,3

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes

“Feel much worse. Little sleep and wake up with migraine.”“I don’t feel any better than before, but my apnea spells are reduced.”“My events are great, like 1 an hour. No other improvements. I haven’t lost weight, nor has my blood pressure improved.”“Even though I don’t experience any improvements in symptoms, my sleep studies say my apneas are reduced.”

Thank you

We appreciate everyone who shared their experiences of sleep apnea treatment. You can always find affirmation for your experience in this community!