Continuous Positive Air Pressure Most Common Treatment For Moderate To Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea

KYW Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) is the most common treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. One of the most obvious effects of CPAP treatment is reduced snoring. But there are many more health benefits that aren't so easy to see—or hear.  The first you may notice right away: you will feel more awake. Obstructive sleep apnea causes you to lose out on sleep. CPAP therapy stops many of the breathing problems that interrupt your rest, so you feel more refreshed when you wake up.

Another big advantage: blood pressure control — a growing number of studies link high blood pressure to sleep apnea. Among people with hard-to-treat hypertension, more than 70 percent have sleep apnea. Other advantages include mental sharpness and recent studies find it might help with erectile dysfunction.