New Year, new you? How about new year, healthier you? It’s that time of year when we all make resolutions to work on ourselves and make some changes. For most people, weighAt loss tops the list of New Year resolutions. Perhaps you want to lose that cookie and pie weight from the holidays so you can breathe just a bit better in your clothes. Or perhaps you have a longer journey ahead of you. Either way, compliance with your CPAP machine may help you achieve those goals.
In a previous post, I explained some of the ramifications of untreated Sleep Apnea. Those symptoms include high blood pressure, stroke, and even death. I think we can agree that’s not optimal. However, there is another side to that coin. Compliance with your CPAP machine can actually help aid in better overall health, including weight loss.
I’m not suggesting that a CPAP machine is a magic solution. You will still need to put in the work with a diet and exercise plan, but your CPAP device can be used instead as another tool to help you on your way. So in a way, you can still have your cake and eat it, too. Just smaller pieces, in moderation, with a brisk walk afterward.
Several studies suggest that weight loss and Obstructive Sleep Apnea are linked. Losing just a few pounds (when medically advisable), can help ease symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. So, as you can see, it’s a bit cyclical in nature. Regular use of your CPAP machine can help you lose weight, which in turn will further ease symptoms of Sleep Apnea. According to a study from Science Daily, regular use of a CPAP device has positive effects on Metabolism, the amount of fatty acids in the blood, glucose, and cortisol. All of these elements together play a key role in effective weight control and overall health.
Another thing to note about the link between your CPAP Device and weight loss is restful sleep. I can’t stress the importance enough about restful sleep. Our body needs adequate sleep to repair and rejuvenate from our everyday lives. There is article after article explaining how sleep can affect our weight loss efforts. As your CPAP machine is meant to help you get a more restful and complete sleep, the correlation can also be made that the CPAP device aids in weight loss.
As long as your weight loss goals are bringing you to a healthier place, you will probably feel and sleep better. This new year gives you the chance to start fresh. You can be more mindful of the foods you put in your body, slow down and remember to use your CPAP device, and even get more exercise. Just remember consistency is the key to any plan. Cheers to a new year, healthier you!
