Sleep Apnea: Why CPAP Isn't Fixing the Real Problem (This Does!)

Mark Hyman, MD · · 23 min

Mark Hyman, MD explains obstructive sleep apnea, who gets it, and why he thinks CPAP should be paired with fixing the causes, like weight, alcohol, nasal congestion and anatomy.

Watch the episode 23 min · YouTube

The gist

  1. Hyman says apnea is missed because people picture overweight snoring men, but thin, fit people and women with fatigue, headaches or insomnia can have it.
  2. He links repeated nighttime breathing stops to high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and memory problems, and always considers apnea in hard-to-control blood pressure.

What they recommend · 2 picks

C
CPAP Main topic · strong yes

A medical device that provides continuous positive airway pressure to treat sleep apnea.

"For people with obstructive sleep apnea, CPAP therapy can be incredibly helpful... CPAP can protect your breathing tonight and your health. And at the same time, we can ask why do you have apnea?... Sometimes the problem isn't the CPAP itself, it's the setu..."
Mark Hyman, MD ▶ Play at 13:14

What Mark Hyman, MD uses it for: Keeping the airway open during sleep for obstructive sleep apnea

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18:27
Elimination Diet Health & fitness

"If you consistently notice that you are more congested after eating a particular food, that's information that you should pay attention to. You can remove that food for a short ..."

Mark Hyman, MD's health & fitness →

Mark, Joe, Andrew and Rhonda agree on 42 things

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Also mentioned

12:18 Sleep Study · "If we actually want to know whether you have sleep apnea, you need proper testing. And that may mean a home..."
15:36 Mandibular Advancement Device · "Now a custom mandibular advancement device moves the lower jaw forward to help keep the airway open, and..."
17:45 Saline Nasal Rinse · "Also, saline nasal rinses can help clear mucus and allergens from the nasal passages."
21:50 The 100: What to Do Today to Live 100 Healthy Years · "I'm so excited to share that my new book is officially available for preorder today... It's called 100:..."

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