A recent study found that sleep apnea, even for one night, can affect blood pressure.  “After just six hours of fluctuating oxygen levels, similar to what happens with sleep apnea, the body’s ability to regulate blood pressure is impaired.”   There is an immediate impact on the body’s ability to maintain a normal blood pressure from sleep apnea the night before.

A patient is considered “compliant” if he or she wears a CPAP for 70% of nights; however, every untreated night affects the next day’s health.  Maybe a treatment with a higher compliance rate should be considered.  Mandibular advancement devices (oral appliances) have consistently high acceptance and compliance rates.

See research article in American Journal of Physiology – Heart and Circulatory.