CPAP Improves Sleep and Looks in People with Sleep Apnea

Here is another reason to get the problem of snoring treated. Researchers at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan have found that curing the condition can improve attractiveness.

Losing sleep can make a person look unattractive. However, it isn't just about puffy eyes or dark circles or looking "alert" after good sleep. The scientists say that continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy can actually improve facial appearance in people suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

In obstructive sleep apnea, breathing is frequently paused during sleep. The condition causes many health complications and increases risk for stroke, depression and irregular heart beat. Interrupted sleep can also result in drowsiness during the day. Mild cases of sleep apnea can be managed by behavioral changes while moderate to severe cases require CPAP therapy where a machine is used to keep the windpipe clear during sleep.

The present study found that OSA sufferers can improve their sleep and looks by using the CPAP machine at home.

"This study showed that independent human raters - both medical personnel and members of the community - can perceive improved alertness, attractiveness, and youthfulness in the appearance of sleepy patients with obstructive sleep apnea, after they have been compliant with use of CPAP at home," said lead author and principal investigator Ronald D. Chervin, MD, from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich.

For the study, researchers used images of 20 people who had severe OSA. Their photographs were taken using high-precision 3D cameras two months before and after CPAP therapy. The images were analyzed using a software that assessed color and volume of the face.

The images were also rated by a set of 22 volunteers, of which 12 were medical professionals and 10 were community members.

About 68 percent of all the raters found that post-treatment images looked more alert than the pre-treatment images. Post-treatment images were also rated more attractive and youthful.

Further computer analysis also showed that post-treatment images had a decrease in forehead surface volume, which may be related to changes in nightly fluid shift. These images also had decreased redness over the cheeks and under eyes.

The study is published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.        

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, an estimated 12 to 18 million adults in the U.S. have undiagnosed sleep apnea.