Why the whole world is talking about sleep

Today (15 March 2019) is World Sleep Day, where experts unite to acknowledge and celebrate the critical role of sleep in maintaining health and wellbeing.

Sleep has long been referred to as nature’s medicine. While we sleep, vital functions occur in our bodies; tissues grow and repair, hormones regulate, blood pressure drops and muscles relax. Good sleep supports a healthy immune system and helps the body to fight off infection and illness.

And yet, in our modern world this vital human need is often compromised and undervalued. What’s more, if you have sleep apnoea, getting a solid eight hours of uninterrupted sleep may feel outside your control.

An estimated 3.9 million people in the UK are thought to be affected by sleep apnoea, yet only 700,000 people diagnosed. That equals 13% of men and 6% of women who routinely do not get enough good quality sleep to support optimal bodily functioning, and the associated complications are well documented.

However, with treatments such as Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) therapy, it is possible to reduce the negative effects of sleep apnoea and associated sleep deprivation. Evidence suggests PAP can reduce risk of stroke by 49% and risk of a cardiovascular event by 46%.

Yet without regular sanitisation, PAP equipment can become a breeding ground for germs and bacteria, leading to irritation and respiratory infections, including bronchitis and pneumonia.

A recent survey revealed that more than a quarter of people using PAP machines do not clean them regularly, and lack of awareness along with lack of time are likely explanations for this.

It’s advised that PAPs are sanitised at a minimum weekly, but ideally daily using an automated sanitising device like SoClean, the world’s first automated PAP cleaner. SoClean kills 99.9% of bacteria and requires no assembly between uses, making daily cleaning effortless.

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