How CPAP is linked to anxiety
Untreated sleep apnea can have a lot of negative consequences on your body, but did you know it can affect your mood and stress levels as well? Poor sleep on it’s own can be stressful, but could sleep apnea be causing you anxiety?
Lee et al took an overview of studies to answer this question and found that:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with bad cardiovascular outcomes and a high prevalence of anxiety and depression, and¹
- Treatment of OSA with CPAP has been shown to improve anxiety and depression symptoms¹
We also know that sleep apnea’s disruption of sleep can lead to consistent stress levels that mirrored those of people who suffered sleep restriction (4 hours/day for 6 nights)². This sleep restricted state induces increased cortisol levels in normal individuals. This condition can lead to physical and mental tiredness, memory difficulties, and increased vulnerability to diseases.²
Not all anxiety is directly caused with sleep apnea, but that doesn’t mean anxiety isn’t linked with sleep apnea. Remember, consistent compliance with your CPAP therapy could reduce your overall anxiety, especially if the sleep disruption is a contributing factor.
How to stay compliant
By now you’re wondering – how can I make sure my CPAP is treating my sleep apnea correctly? There are a few ways to ensure your CPAP is giving you the best CPAP therapy possible.
Here are 4 tips for CPAP effectiveness and compliance:
1. Make sure your supplies are fresh so they function correctly.
When your supplies are old, the therapy will become less and less effective. Because this happens slowly and over time, most folks end up not noticing it. Instead, they will tighten their mask a little more, thinking they just need the seal a little closer.
Eventually this leads to over-tightening that can cause pain, marks, and the annoying “hot mask” feeling. The less comfortable your CPAP supplies are, the harder it is to stay compliant and get your CPAP benefits. You can avoid this by replacing your supplies with fresh ones regularly on the recommended, insurance-backed schedule.
Your CPAP supplies could be yours for $0! Allow us to check with your insurance provider for you to find out what is covered (for free!). Click below to get started:
Are your supplies due for a replacement? Check out our standard insurance replacement schedule below:
2. Use a CPAP that automatically meets your needs to prevent worrying about pressure levels.
Your pressure needs vary through the night as you sleep. Newer CPAPs are auto-titrating, meaning they adjust to your needs breath-by-breath to give the most effective pressure needed all through the night. ResMed’s AirSense 11 Auto CPAP also offers:
- Auto-titration: automatically adjusts the pressure level to fit your unique needs
- AutoRamp: allows the machine to slowly ramp up to the pressure you need, making it easier than ever to fall asleep while using your CPAP
- Expiratory Pressure Relief (EPR): lightens the pressure upon exhale
- Auto-titration: automatically adjusts the pressure level to fit your unique needs
- AutoRamp: allows the machine to slowly ramp up to the pressure you need, making it easier than ever to fall asleep while using your CPAP
- Expiratory Pressure Relief (EPR): lightens the pressure upon exhale, making breathing more pleasant
Upgrade to the AirSense today for just $399 down and 0% APR!
3. Keep your supplies clean to keep your mind clear.
Bacteria buildup on your mask can make you sick or weaken your mask seal. Weak seals and CPAP illnesses are big barriers to compliance, as they make using CPAP much more of a chore. That’s why keeping your mask and hose clean can be the difference between intolerable and effective CPAP therapy. The Lumin CPAP cleaner keeps your supplies sanitary with:
- Simple and Quick: Lumin kills 99% of bacteria in a one-touch 5 minute cycle
- UV Technology: specialized UV-C light source targets harmful bacteria, viruses, mold, and fungus
- Complete compatibility: No adapter needed
- Simple and Quick: Lumin kills 99% of bacteria in a one-touch 5 minute cycle
- UV Technology: specialized UV-C light source is targeted to kill harmful bacteria, viruses, mold, and fungus
- Complete compatibility: Lumin fits all major mask types and humidifier chambers
Save $70 when you buy the Lumin today!
If buildup on your mask is a common issue for you, try our Mask Wipes for daily use!
4. Use a mask that lets you rest easy.
Finding the right mask for your face can be frustrating, but newer masks are designed to fit more people every day. If leaks from your mask are giving you trouble, the AirFit F30 mask will be a great change. The F30 boasts:
- Minimal Design: Fits under your nose and over your mouth, leaving the bridge of your nose untouched
- Universal Headgear Size: Contours to every unique face for an accurate, first-time fit
- Quick Release Elbow with QuietAir: Plug/unplug from therapy easily, while the QuietAir vent diffuses exhalation to reduce noise
- Minimal Design: Fits under your nose and over your mouth, leaving the bridge of your nose untouched
- Universal Headgear Size: Contours to every unique face for an accurate, first-time fit
- Quick Release Elbow with QuietAir: Plug/unplug from therapy easily, while the QuietAir vent diffuses exhalation to reduce noise
Save $20 when you buy the AirFit F30 today!
Don’t miss out on your insurance coverage! Find out if the F30 is covered today:
Sources:
- “Effects of continuous positive airway pressure on anxiety, depression, and major cardiac and cerebro-vascular events in obstructive sleep apnea patients with and without coronary artery disease” by Lee MC, Shen YC, Wang JH, Li YY, Li TH, Chang ET, Wang HM. 2017 Oct-Dec.
- “Emotional Stress Evaluation of Patients with Moderate and Severe Sleep Apnea Syndrome” by Santos et al. Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2017 Jan.
