Who Needs CPAP Therapy?
CPAP therapy is typically recommended for individuals who have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, a sleep disorder that causes interruptions in breathing during sleep. Sleep apnea can occur in people of any age and can be caused by a variety of factors, including obesity, alcohol or sedative use, and certain medical conditions.
Sleep apnea can lead to a range of symptoms, including loud snoring, restless tossing and turning during sleep, frequent awakenings, and excessive daytime sleepiness. If left untreated, sleep apnea can have serious health consequences, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, depression, and even death.
Individuals who suspect they may have sleep apnea should talk to their healthcare provider, who can perform a sleep study to diagnose the condition. If sleep apnea is diagnosed, the healthcare provider may recommend CPAP therapy, along with other treatments, such as lifestyle changes and weight management, to manage the condition.
In general, CPAP therapy is recommended for individuals with moderate to severe sleep apnea, or for those who have mild sleep apnea but are not experiencing improvement with other treatments. However, the specific recommendations for each individual will depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of their sleep apnea, their overall health, and their personal preferences.