People with sleep apnea often report that they feel like a new person when they begin using CPAP therapy. They sleep better at night and have more energy during the day. As a result their mood also improves.

Now a new study shows that CPAP may help you look better too. The study involved 20 adults who have sleep apnea and excessive daytime sleepiness. Digital photos of their faces were taken with a 3D camera. Pictures were taken before and after at least two months of CPAP therapy.

Each pair of images was viewed in random order by 22 volunteers. They rated the appearance of the photos.

Results show that the “after” treatment photo was more appealing in more than 60 percent of the ratings. People with sleep apnea appeared more alert, attractive and youthful after using CPAP for two months. The results were published in the Sept. 15 issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.

Sleep apnea causes you to stop breathing during sleep. These breathing pauses can occur hundreds of times per night. Each breathing pause also can disrupt your sleep.

That’s why sleep apnea drains you of your daytime energy: You’re briefly waking up repeatedly during the night. As a result you never get a full night of quality sleep.

This poor sleep can cause you to feel exhausted during the day. The new study suggests that sleep apnea also can cause you to look as bad as you feel.

The good news is that CPAP therapy is effective, and it continues to get better. Recent advances make CPAP quieter and more comfortable.

CPAP helps you sleep better, so you can feel your best. And when you feel good, you look good too!