Improve your sleep with hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Sleep is an essential part of our lives that helps keep our body and mind healthy. Unfortunately, millions of people worldwide suffer from various sleep disorders that affect their quality of life. Insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome are some of the commonly known sleep disorders. And according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in their survey conducted between 2014 and 2017, about one-third of American adults reported sleeping less than 7 hours on average per night. The average self-reported sleep duration among adults in the United States is around 6-7 hours, which is shorter than the recommended range.
While there are several ways to improve sleep, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has emerged as a promising therapy. In this blog, we will discuss how HBOT can help with sleep and its benefits.
How Does HBOT Help with Sleep?
Several studies have shown that HBOT may help improve sleep quality and alleviate symptoms of sleep disorders. One of the primary reasons for sleep disorders is the reduced oxygen supply to the body. HBOT helps increase the amount of oxygen in the body, which, in turn, improves the quality of sleep.According to a study conducted by the International Hyperbaric Medical Association, patients who underwent HBOT treatment for sleep apnea showed significant improvement in their sleep quality. The study found that HBOT helped reduce the number of apnea episodes and increased the oxygen saturation levels in the blood.
Another study conducted by the Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research in Israel found that HBOT helped improve the symptoms of restless leg syndrome, a common condition that can negatively affect sleep. The study involved 60 patients who underwent 30 HBOT sessions over ten weeks. The patients reported a significant reduction in the severity of their symptoms and an improvement in their sleep quality.
Benefits of HBOT for Sleep
Apart from improving sleep quality, HBOT has several other benefits for overall health that will likely improve sleep including:
1. Reduced Inflammation
Inflammation is a common cause of several health problems, including sleep disorders. HBOT helps reduce inflammation by increasing the oxygen supply to the body, which, in turn, reduces inflammation and promotes healing. It also upregulates genes responsible for decreasing inflammation and down-regulates genes that are responsible for inflammation such as interleukins and TNF alpha.
2. Improved Brain Function
HBOT helps increase the oxygen supply to the brain, which, in turn, may improve brain function. Several studies have shown that HBOT can help improve cognitive function, memory, and concentration.
3. Boosts Immune System
HBOT helps in the production of stem cells, which are responsible for the repair and regeneration of tissues. This, in turn, boosts the immune system, making the body more resistant to infections. HBOT induces all cells of the immune response which helps heal wounds faster.
Conclusion
Sleep disorders can significantly affect the quality of life of individuals. While there are several treatments available, HBOT has emerged as a promising therapy for better sleep. HBOT helps increase the oxygen supply to the body, reduces inflammation, improves brain function, and boosts immune system function. Consider HBOT to help optimize your sleep!
Citations
- International Hyperbaric Medical Association. (2001). Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in the Treatment of Sleep Apnea Syndrome: A 2-Year Follow-Up Study. Retrieved from https://www.hyperbaricmedicalassociation.org/images/research/hbot-in-the-treatment-of-sleep-apnea-syndrome.pdf
- Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research. (2018). Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Restless Leg Syndrome: A Randomized Trial. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30501194/
