Most people have trouble sleeping at some point in their lives, and there is nothing unusual or concerning about the occasional bout of insomnia. However, there are some people for whom sleep problems are an ongoing issue. For example, up to 18 million people just in the U.S. struggle with sleep apnea, which is a serious condition. And that’s only the people who have been diagnosed with the malady. It’s estimated that 2 to 4% of people have undiagnosed sleep apnea, meaning there are likely millions more people out there with the condition. That is a concern because sleep apnea can have some serious health consequences.
Many people think sleep apnea is simply chronic snoring. While that is a signature of the disease, it is much more serious than that. People with sleep apnea actually stop breathing for short periods of time dozens or hundreds of times while they are sleeping. Undiagnosed and/or untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health issues such as triple the risk for heart attack and four times the risk of stroke of people without sleep apnea.
If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, there can be a range of treatments. Obesity can cause sleep apnea and it also makes the symptoms worse, so losing weight can help to alleviate the symptoms, and for some people, it may make sleep apnea go away. However, most people with sleep apnea need to use a continuous positive airway pressure machine, also called a CPAP machine. CPAP machines use mild air pressure to help force your airways open. CPAP machines are very effective, but they also can be very off-putting for some people. For those who are claustrophobic, having a mask on their face while trying to sleep can be terrifying. The machines also are loud, and some people may not be able to sleep while wearing them.
CPAP machines can be expensive, and if you aren’t sure you are going to be able to use them often, you might want to consider cheaper options, such as a discount CPAP machine or a pre-owned CPAP machine. If you do decide to get a pre-owned CPAP machine, you want to make sure it is still in good shape and works properly. Buying it from a medical supply store is probably the best bet.