Sleep apnea
Wearing graduated compression stockings can be as simple as it is effective a solution for improving obstructive sleep apnea, especially for those suffering from chronic venous insufficiency.
The link between circulation and sleep
An Italian-French study found that individuals with venous insufficiency benefit significantly from elastic compression during nighttime rest.
The principle is hydraulic: the stocking reduces fluid accumulation in the legs during the day. Consequently, it decreases the amount of fluid that shifts toward the neck once you lie down at night, improving the number of obstructive apnea episodes.
Prevention and lifestyle
In active people, fluid accumulation is countered by the calf "muscle pump." However, those who spend many hours sitting or standing statically may suffer from tired legs and swollen ankles.
The preventive use of compression stockings is highly recommended to keep legs feeling light and to promote constant tissue drainage.
Research results
The study, conducted at the La Pitié-Salpêtrière hospital in Paris and published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, demonstrated how reducing leg swelling at the source leads to an improvement in sleep quality.
Although further research is needed, this study paves the way for non-invasive solutions to a problem that affects millions of people worldwide.
